Media urged to be 'careful' with facts

Increasing violence against medical workers and strained relationships between doctors and patients in China has prompted a review of the media's role and responsibilities in reporting disputes.

Local Chinese media reported this month that a woman in Xiangtan county, Hunan province, who died after giving birth by cesarean section was left on her own by doctors and nurses as she lay bleeding.

The claim spread wildly online and was retransmitted by other media, provoking public outrage and criticism of the maternity hospital for its supposed negligence.