China tightens regulation on medical-related TV programs

China's top broadcast watchdog announced on Friday that it will tighten regulation over health and medical related TV programs and advertising.

The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) recently issued a circular stating that such programs could only be produced by TV station personnel.

Such programs will also be required to be reviewed and recorded.Programs made by private companies will not be allowed on air, the circular said.

SARFT also banned advertisements during such programs. Experts on medical or health programs must have relevant qualifications issued by health authorities.

The circular also imposed limits on the length and form of medical advertisements. Each advertisement should not exceed one minute, with advertisements disguised as TV programs strictly prohibited, it said.