Breaking Investigation Uncovers Illicit Birth Certificate Sales at Xiangyang's Jianqiao Hospital

An Urgent Investigation Into Illicit Sale of Birth Certificates Unveils Six Arrests in Hubei Province

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12 November 2023

On November 6, a groundbreaking investigation was initiated in response to multiple reports that birth certificates and medical documents were being sold at Jianqiao Hospital in Xiangyang, Hubei. The hospital is situated at No.169 Chenhou Xiang, and its founder, Ye Zhi - a 55-year-old female - was among the six suspects who have since been arrested. The Xiangyang Municipal People's Government has launched an investigation into the matter, with a special task force being established to handle these issues of problem investigation, case handling, and accountability responsibility.

The situation report published by the Xiangyang Municipal People's Government reveals that six suspects have been apprehended in relation to the illegal sale of birth certificates at Jianqiao Hospital. Furthermore, four more individuals are under criminal detention, while 13 others remain under investigation. The investigation spans across a broad range of issues, including but not limited to, human trafficking, adoption fraud, examination fraud, and espionage.

Netizens' Reactions: Concerns and Criticisms

Weibo netizens have been actively sharing their thoughts on this matter, as it raises concerns about the integrity of healthcare institutions in China. Many users express hope for thorough investigations that go beyond just these six suspects. The following is a collection of some of the most common reactions from Weibo users:

1. "Henan City Report, share the Hall of Supreme Rulers! Within China, only City Reports dare to report like this. The last time in Myanmar North was also, it is a great merit." - This user expresses admiration for City Reports' bravery and emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigations into this matter.

2. "This isn't just about selling birth certificates, there are adoptions too, and you can add people to your name as you please" - The user highlights that the problem is more extensive than what initially meets the eye, calling for a deep investigation rather than superficial work.

3. "After finding out about the problem, what had they been doing before? Hospitals were selling birth certificates, and volunteers infiltrated a year to dig it out. So, what do food rationed by the emperor's nutrition officers do?" - This user questions how such practices could have gone unnoticed for so long, urging a thorough investigation into the matter.

4. "Six of them? Six people can do this job? There is no inside and outside conformity. I don't believe it. If only a few people, continue to investigate carefully! If you don't severely crack down, there will be more later on." - This user expresses skepticism about the involvement of just six individuals in such widespread corruption, calling for thorough investigations and stricter crackdowns.

5. "Check out private hospitals, there may be a lot of them. Can they check in other places?" - The user suggests that this issue might not be limited to Jianqiao Hospital alone, with potential involvement from other private hospitals across the country.

6. "Strongly condemn and hope for thorough investigations, involving not only human trafficking but also adoption, exam fraud, spying, etc." - This user demands a comprehensive investigation that covers a wide range of illegal activities, not just the sale of birth certificates.

7. "Highlight: Private hospitals! Public hospitals have some ethical boundaries, but private hospitals don't." - The user expresses concern about the lack of ethics in private hospitals and calls for stricter regulations.

8. "What kind of identity do these six people have? If they are from the same level or a lower level as this hospital, then this event will come to an end..." - The user questions the positions and backgrounds of the arrested individuals, calling for additional investigation into their identities and connections.

In response to these legitimate concerns and criticisms by Weibo netizens, it is essential that relevant departments take necessary measures to strengthen supervision and ensure accountability. This involves not only punishing those found guilty but also improving legal systems to prevent such corrupt practices