According to a recent news report by the official China News Service, a new online study released this week shows that roughly 70 percent of Chinese households use medications improperly. The online survey found that close to 50 percent of respondents failed to understand “over-the-counter” (OTC) labels, and didn’t realize they should seek medical advice before using such products (which are widely available over the counter in China, regulations notwithstanding). A possible contributing factor not mentioned in the report is the well-documented fact that doctors in China often routinely prescribe medications (and procedures) patients don’t need in order to cash in on unnecessary procedures and arrangements with pharmaceutical companies. In this cartoon, posted by the Kunming-based studio Yuan Jiao Man’s Space (圆觉漫时空) to QQ.com, members of a Chinese nuclear family pour bottles of varicolored pills recklessly into their mouths.


David Bandurski

CMP Director

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