China will tighten inspection of pharmaceuticals to improve drug safety and prevent corruption in the approval process, said a senior official who disclosed that his agency has revoked licenses of 353 medicines over the last six months.

Wu Zhen, deputy director of the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA), said on Tuesday 3,049 applications for new drugs have been turned down since last August.

During an online interview, carried by the central government's website, Wu said his administration is requiring officials to inspect pharmaceutical production facilities to ensure drugs are made in accordance with the applications they filed with the SFDA.

"Those who fail to meet standards will have their license revoked," Wu said.

He said the administration last year "effectively" handled 14 health hazards caused by bogus drugs including the case of Qiqihar fake Armillarisin A injection that killed eleven people and the case of Xinfu antibiotic that killed at least ten.

Another 17 health crisis concerning substandard production facilities were investigated.

Wu said this year "will be a critical" and the SFDA has the ambitious goal of eliminating major health crisis caused by tainted food and drugs.

"The task for all SFDA staff is arduous; the responsibilities are big. But we are confident we can do the work," Wu said.

In late January, China ordered an investigation into allegations that former SFDA chief Zheng Xiaoyu abused his position and took bribes in exchange for ignoring drug approval regulations.

"Corruption starts with the approval procedure, and a small number officials bring shame to the entire drug watchdog team," said Wu.

Wu said the administration will adopt a system under which new drugs will require the approval of several officials instead of one.

He said the administration will also enhance the accountability of staff by putting approval procedures on the Internet.

Source: Xinhua