The Chinese Medical Doctor Association has started regular assessments of practicing physicians. Those whose medical ethics cannot pass the assessment will be blacklisted. With the recent news of an obstetrician in Fuping county, Shaanxi Province, who was involved in baby trafficking scandals that angered the public, these medical ethics assessments have stirred a new round of debate.

The divided views expressed by the public show people's anxiety toward new reform measures. A reform often encounters obstruction as it may harm those with vested interests. If public opinion makes carping comments on it, it will become much more difficult to implement.

Nearly all professions in China now have ethical problems. Besides unethical conduct by officials which often triggers criticism, the ethics of doctors is one of the most urgent issues that need to be addressed.

There are deeply rooted reasons for the problems. Teaching the whole profession how to behave is much more difficult than punishing individuals.

Efforts to improve the ethics of certain professions have to be initiated sooner or later. No profession can shirk its responsibility to another.

"The rule of morals," once raised a couple of years ago, is being implemented in conjunction with the rule of law. Morals and the law should function to ensure successful governance of society. Opposition between these two will never hold water against the backdrop of China accelerating its speed in building the rule of law.

The moral crisis in Chinese society has been prominent in three aspects: basic social behavior has largely been in disorder; ethics in officialdom are in decay and ethics in other professions are greatly lacking. China needs to set a bottom line for ethics and morals. People from all walks of life must bear inescapable responsibilities.

We support the rectification of medical ethics. It does not mean we believe the medical field is the worst in terms of professional ethics, but it is because it is where conflicts have accumulated and where society is demanding reform. Medical staff also have a lot to complain about. The reform process must be one where all voices can have a say.

The medical system is associated with administrative power, but at the same time it reflects disorder in the market. Reforms must bear ethics in mind and consider a rational attitude toward money.

It is shocking that a doctor has been involved in newborn baby trafficking. This occurrence is not an isolated case but based on a great number of moral defects. Hospitals are a microcosm of the problems in all of society. We should know what we can do if we want doctors with good ethics.

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