BEIJING, Jan. 8 -- China will impose harsh punishment on those who improperly handle medical waste in a bid to reduce pollution and protect public health.

Companies or government units that illegally collect, store, transport and handle medical waste will have their licenses revoked and will be heavily fined, according to a statement from the National Health and Family Planning Commission.

The commission said it will strengthen the monitoring of medical waste disposal companies and units, and cooperate with environmental authorities to shut down substandard waste disposal facilities.

It will transfer those involved in environment pollution crimes to police authorities, according to the commission.

It also urged local authorities to establish a sound price system for medical waste procurement before the end of 2015 and improve their hazard-free disposal of medical waste.