Authorities target illegal profits from 'red envelopes' and drug kickbacks

China's top health authority pledged on Monday to intensify the fight against irregularities in the health sector, such as doctors making money illegally through buying and prescribing drugs.

A new guideline from the National Health and Family Planning Commission aims to improve professionalism and services at hospitals and clinics through a variety of means, including education of medical staff, more severe punishment for irregularities and intensified supervision from health authorities to prevent corruption.