China to punish 357 officials over illegal vaccines sale

China has announced it is punishing 357 officials over a scandal involving the illegal sale of vaccines.

According to the Xinhua news agency, 192 criminal cases had been filed over the case, which saw improperly stored or transported vaccines sent to 59 health institutions.

The government said procedures regarding the handling of drugs would be tightened. The scandal had led to widespread anger in China.

The illegal vaccine ring had been in business since 2011, and in April 2015 two women were arrested for selling $88 million worth of vaccines.

The details were made public only last month, with the authorities calling out for suppliers come forward to help them trace potential victims.

According to China's State Council, 357 officials faced demotion or loss of jobs and that 202 had been detained so far.

Health authorities had also urged people to continue coming forward for vaccinations.

The China office of the World Health Organization (WHO) had said that vaccines needed to be handled properly or they could become less effective.

Along with the ongoing investigations, it was decided at a State Council executive meeting yesterday to change regulations so more vaccine products would need to be procured under official supervision, according to Xinhua. Systems would also be strengthened to track manufacturing, storage and transportation of the products, according to the agency.

Fines for illegal vaccine sales or storage would be increased, while government officials who failed at oversight would be required to resign, Xinhua said.

Xinhua said the cross-department investigation had been led by the head of China's Food and Drug Administration.