Chinese president Xi Jinping has ordered an investigation of a vaccination manufacturer’s supply chains following the revelation that it had distributed thousands of faulty vaccines.
Regulators recently announced Changchun Changshen Life Sciences, the country’s largest listed vaccine producer, had forged data on more than 100,000 rabies vaccines and sold more than 250,000 substandard diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccines last year.
Xi described incident as “hideous and appalling” and called for “serious punishment of those found responsible”, state news agency Xinhua reported.
In a statement made during his official visit to Rwanda, Xi said it was the responsibility of the party and the government to ensure drug safety and the country’s vaccine management system should be improved.
Premier Li Keqiang has instructed the State Council to “thoroughly investigate the entire product chain” of the firm, including the production and sale, of all vaccines, said Xinhua.
Investigation teams have already been sent to Changchun Changshen and the provincial food and drug supervision authority has revoked the firm’s certification for rabies vaccines and halted their production and sale. It has also suspended the approval other products.
There have been reports that as many as 15 arrests have already been made including members of the company’s leadership.
Li said there would be “severe punishment and zero tolerance” for any individuals or enterprises involved.
☛ Want to stay up to date with the news? Sign up to our daily bulletin.