Shanghai is going to establish a black list for pharmaceutical companies who bribe doctors and hospitals in the use and purchase of drugs and medical equipment, the Shanghai Health Bureau said yesterday.

Black listed firms will be prohibited from taking part in medication and equipment bids for two years. Local medical facilities can't purchase their products during the period.

The system for long-term monitoring, management and blacklisting will be put in place by year's end. All local hospitals are required to begin monitoring bribery and educate their employees on the policies by September 30.

The hospitals are to report to the district- and city-based bureaus if they detect significant violations. Health bureau inspection teams will visit hospitals and do monitoring beginning in October.

Doctors or hospital officials who accept bribes may face criminal prosecution for serious violations.

The city bureau set up a hotline for tips: 6289-3278.

"It is a national initiative required by the Ministry of Health to clear up the medical industry by controlling bribes," said Shen Yuandong, president of Shuguang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital.