China is increasing its efforts to regulate the administration of medical wastes, and impose punishments on the illicit handling of medical wastes, according to the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA).

A circular, issued by the SEPA, requires environmental departments at all levels to study a State Council decree on medical wastes control and assist local governments in setting up medical wastes disposal facilities.

The decree, Provisions on the Control of Medical Wastes, was put into effect on June 16, and was aimed at strengthening the safety of handling medical wastes to prevent the spread of diseases, protect the environment, and ensure people's health.

The license system for handling dangerous medical wastes should be strictly implemented, says the circular.

Environmental departments at all levels should also set up emergency schemes for dealing with accident situations, says the circular.

(Xinhua News Agency July 28, 2003)