Beijing official receives disciplinary action for negligence in hospital fire

Jin Wei, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Beijing Municipal Committee and vice-mayor of the capital, who is responsible for overseeing the health and hygiene matters of the city, was announced to bear significant leadership responsibilities for a major fire incident at Beijing Changfeng Hospital which happened on April 18, according to Xinhua News Agency on Wednesday afternoon.

In response to the major fire incident at the hospital, which caused 29 deaths and 42 injuries, the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision have launched an investigation into Jin.

The authorities announced on Wednesday that Jin failed to give enough attention to the weak safety management of the city's health departments and the prominent fire safety hazards in medical institutions.

"He also did not effectively supervise the city's health departments in fulfilling their responsibilities in ensuring safety and holding medical institutions accountable for their safety obligations," said the announcement.

In accordance with relevant regulations, the National Commission of Supervision has decided to issue a disciplinary warning to Jin.