China has stepped up efforts to diagnose and treat pneumoconiosis, the country's top occupational disease. The measures come after a recent case that exposed weaknesses in the disease prevention system.

The Ministry of Health said it will start a revised process on diagnosing pneumoconiosis, also known as black lung disease. The new standards will take effect on November 1st. One measure will expand the criteria for confirming the third phase of the disease. This will allow more patients to receive free medication and compensation, currently available only for those in the third phase.

The State Administration of Work Safety is also improving regulations for disease prevention. Other measures underway will build new laboratories and give the country's 200 million migrant workers access to regular medical checks.

(CCTV August 4, 2009)