Xinhua hinted at the possibility that more foreign drug makers in China could also be investigated for corruption. The country's official news agency did not give any names of pharmaceutical companies or hospitals, but said that the government is in the process of curbing malpractice and corruption in the sector. The announcement came amidst ongoing investigations of British drug maker GlaxoSmithKline, of whom the Chinese police had accused of bribery.
In an English commentary, Xinhua said, "It will not be surprising if more pharmaceutical companies and hospitals, domestic or international, are to be involved in probes in the days to come." The news outlet further reported that more than 1,000 healthcare personnel, including doctors, nurses, and administrators, in 73 hospitals in the city of Zhangzhou, Fujian province took kickbacks. CCTV, another state broadcaster, reported that a total of CNY 20.5 million (USD 3.34 million) in illicit funds were already recovered by the authorities in an investigation that lasted six months.
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