China to accelerate approval for quake-relief drugs

BEIJING, April 22 (Xinhua) -- The China Food and Drug Administration will accelerate the approval for quake-relief drugs and medical equipment, according to a circular issued on Monday.

The administration also urged all-level food and drug organs to strengthen supervision over quake-relief medication and medical equipment which are badly needed in order to ensure their quality, said the circular.

A 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit Lushan County, Ya'an City of southwest China's Sichuan Province, at 8:02 a.m. Beijing Time on Saturday, leaving at least 188 people dead and 25 missing, according to latest statistics from Ministry of Civil Affairs.

According to the circular, donated quake-relief drugs and medical equipment should be in line with the quality standard, with at least six months of validity.

The administration will also speed up in approving qualified blood products and vaccines which are needed, the circular said.
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