China publishes draft on occupational illness

China on Thursday published draft regulations on the diagnosis and verification of occupational diseases to seek public feedback.

The draft, drawn up by the Ministry of Health, said that employees are entitled to visit diagnosis clinics in the region they work or live, and the clinics should not refuse to see patients.

As diagnosis clinics are relatively few in China, the draft suggests that health care departments make full use of local medical resources to set up diagnosis clinics in accordance with local needs.

According to the draft, employers must identify potential occupational hazards and inform local health offices about their findings.

People can submit their suggestions via mail or email before March 4 to the address provided at Chinalaw.gov.cn, or the official website of the Ministry of Health.