China's Ministry of Health will intensify its crackdown on bribery in hospitals, according to a report in the People's Daily on November 17.

Bribery in hospitals has increased in some areas of China, seriously undermining people's interests and the image of medical professionals, according to the report.

The ministry will work to stop doctors from receiving kickbacks from pharmaceutical companies while strictly prohibiting hospital staff from illegally collecting information about prescriptions for commercial purposes, the report quoting an unnamed official said.

Some pharmaceutical companies pay kickbacks and bribes to doctors and hospital staff to boost the sales of their drugs.

Some medical equipment-makers have also been involved in similar schemes.

Those found to have accepted bribes will be punished according to the relevant laws and rules, the official said.