AIDS epidemic in China is far more extensive than previously known, but profit-hungry doctors there reportedly are making it worse by exploiting patients.
After years of denial about the extent of AIDS, the government in the world's most populous country now acknowledges the epidemic afflicts 840,000 people, reports The Washington Post.
But as the country moves toward capitalism, doctors at local hospitals responsible for dispensing free pharmaceuticals are getting greedier. The Post, quoting government officials and patients, reports doctors are exploiting those in need, padding bills with unneeded drugs and dubious extra services that must be paid by patients.
"In China today, if you don't have money, you don't dare go to the hospital," said the head of China AIDS Info, a Hong Kong-based advocacy group. "People are suffering unnecessary hospitalizations, unnecessary testing and huge medical bills."
The AIDS issue is symptomatic of the crisis in the healthcare system. As the economy gets privatized, the state continues to regulate fees for basic services but hospitals have been freed to collect profit on sales of new drugs and high-technology tests.
© Copyright 2005 by United Press International
