China to Prosecute Former Traditional Medicine Chief on Bribery Charges
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China has moved to prosecute the former head of its traditional medicine regulator, accusing him of accepting bribes in exchange for approving drug registrations, as the government continues a sweeping crackdown on corruption in the pharmaceutical sector.
The top anti-graft watchdog, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, said Tuesday that Yu Wenming, former director of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, had been handed over to prosecutors. The agency accused Yu of turning public resources into tools for private gain, engaging in “hidden corruption,” and accumulating “massive wealth.”
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- Yu Wenming, ex-head of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is being prosecuted for accepting bribes for drug approvals and misusing his position for private gain.
- Yu led the administration from 2018 to 2023 and is the highest-ranking official in traditional medicine implicated in the current anti-corruption crackdown.
- Authorities allege he amassed substantial illicit wealth and have confiscated his gains; several other healthcare officials are also under investigation.
- 2018-2023：
- Yu Wenming served as the administration’s chief (National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine).
- Early 2025：
- Beijing signaled that the pharmaceutical industry would be a primary target for systematic cleanup.
- June 2025：
- Yu Wenming was placed under investigation by regulators.
- December 16, 2025：
- The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection stated Yu Wenming had been handed over to prosecutors.
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