A set of regulations on the inspection and supply of pharmaceuticals in the Chinese military will be enforced beginning January 1, 2005, according to the army's General Logistics Department on Wednesday.

Endorsed by Premier Wen Jiabao and chairman of China's Central Military Commission, Jiang Zemin, the regulations are in line with China's law on the administration of pharmaceuticals.

According to the regulations, the Chinese army's General Logistics Department will supervise and administer the military pharmaceutical supply. The state drug administration will also play a supervisory role.

The regulations stipulate that without authorization, the military pharmaceutical supply departments will not give pharmaceuticals to non-military pharmaceutical dealers and medical institutions. Without authorization, non-military medical units shall not use military pharmaceuticals or supply their self-made pharmaceuticals to the military medical institutions. Violators shall be punished in line with the law.

The regulations also apply to the Chinese People's Armed Police Force.

(Xinhua News Agency December 16, 2004)