China Consumes 10 Trillion Bottles of Intravenous Drugs Each Year, the Largest in the World
In the Chinese medical field, since the economic benefits from Intravenous (I.V.) drugs are much greater than from oral medication, I.V. drugs are overused. China has become the country that consumes the largest amount of IV drugs in the world. Experts have warned about the side effects of over usage.
According to China’s official site, statistics show that, in 2011, China consumed over 10 trillion bottles of I.V. drugs. That is the equivalent to eight bottles per person and is much higher than the international average of 2.5 to 3.3. One of the key contributing factors is that patients tend to rely heavily on I.V. drugs. In additon, it is due to the fact that hospitals, doctors, and drug companies receive a higher economic return on I.V. drugs.
Reports indicate that over 390,000 people die from improper use of I.V. drugs each year. Among those, 200,000 die from allergic reactions after I.V. treatment. Estimates are that at least 100,000 people have died after receiving I.V. treatment.
Experts warned that overuse of I.V. drugs will cause harm to the human body and that the body will develop a resistance to drugs.
Source:
Radio Free Asia, September 8, 2013
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/Xinwen/11-09082013170303.html
Xinhua, September 8, 2013
http://www.hb.xinhuanet.com/2013-09/08/c_117277436.htm
Sale of High Priced Items Slow as Mid-Autumn Festival Approaches
As China’s Mid-Autumn festival is approaching, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection recently issued a notice to be strict in prohibiting the use of public funds for luxury gifts, food, and entertainment. Reports indicate that the market for high priced moon cake, mitten crab, cigarettes, and alcohol has been slow this year. Some food vendors have complained about the slow moving inventory and some expect that sales may be down as much as 10 percent compared to last year.
Source: People’s Daily, September 8, 2013
http://politics.people.com.cn/n/2013/0908/c1001-22843015.html
Xinhua Commentary Calls for Gaining Control of Discourse Right
Xinhua published a commentary on the discourse right stating that the discourse right is a key indicator of a country’s soft power. It is a critical aspect in formulating ideology work. According to the commentary, gaining the discourse right in the media battlefield should be established as an important goal for ideology work. The commentary also quoted Xi Jinping’s speech given on August 19. Xi emphasized that Marxist ideology is the foundation for the Party and (the Party) should be proactive when dealing with key issues and take control in formulating the Party’s ideology work.
Source: Xinhua, September 7, 2013
http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2013-09/07/c_117270185.htm
Xinhua Questions Obama for the Use of Force against Syria
A Xinhua article questioned five issues related to the “Obama War” against Syria.
Huanqiu: The Chinese Style Represents Universal Values
Huanqiu published a commentary on understanding the advantages of the Chinese system. The commentary said that the Chinese style represents universal values.
Beijing Daily: Do Not Leave Space for Universal Values
On September 2, 2013, Beijing Daily published a commentary titled advocating ideological education. Major State media immediately reprinted it under the title “Beijing Daily: Do Not Leave Space for Universal Values.”
Xinhua: The U.S. Use of Force in Syria Entails Great Danger
A September 4, 2013, Xinhua commentary expressed disapproval of the impending U.S. military action against Syria.
"Although the United States claims that military action will be very limited, there are indications that, once a war is launched, it will be difficult for the White House to keep its scale and progress under control. A number of new challenges are more likely to lead the U.S. into new troubles. Moreover, the U.K. has abandoned the use of force in Syria; France is unresolved; NATO’s stance is even more detached. Without the support of allies, one is more doubtful about the U.S.’s ability to end the war in a prudent manner."
"The U.S. military action against Syria may not only leave the problem of chemical weapons difficult to solve; it will likely trigger new threats. Igor Morozov, a member of the Russian Federation Council’s Foreign Affairs Committee, warned, on September 3, that if the U.S. adopts military intervention against Syria, the country’s chemical weapons could fall into the hands of terrorists and spread to the Middle East and all over the world. The U.S. itself would not be spared either."
"What’s even more frightening is that many of the Syrian opposition forces have been infiltrated by Islamic extremists and the al-Qaeda organization. If the extremist forces expand, Syria is bound to be led to a more dangerous path, with the U.S.’s strategic interests jeopardized."
Source: Xinhua, September 4, 2013
http://news.xinhuanet.com/2013-09/04/c_117230481.htm