China's problem with human trafficking is incessant. Recently, a report emerged from Datong, Shanxi, involving doctors and hospital cleaning staff in human trafficking, forming what is described as an "industry chain." After the incident was revealed, local authorities announced the formation of a joint investigation team to conduct an inquiry.
According to reports from Jimu News, Upstream News, and state media CCTV, a well-known anti-trafficking activist, Officer Shangguan, recently exposed the presence of baby trafficking at the Datong First People's Hospital in Shanxi Province. It involved cleaning staff and doctors profiting from human trafficking. Depending on the baby's gender and condition, the "price" ranged from 80,000 to 100,000 yuan (49,100 to 61,300 MYR).
According to Officer Shangguan, a cleaner with the surname Wang inside the hospital is one of the main "brokers," capable of "selecting" newborns and providing ultrasound reports, as well as photos and videos of the parents and the child.
The report mentioned that the cleaning staff member surnamed Wang admitted in an interview, even though he knew it was illegal, he considered it as doing a favor, helping infertile couples. These traded babies are often abandoned by their parents due to financial pressure, illegitimacy, or teenage pregnancies. During hospital cleaning, there are family members who would proactively say, "We don't want this child, find him a new home."
He referred to himself as a "matchmaker," describing the broker's profit as "matchmaking money." "Currently, a baby's price generally ranges from 80,000 to 100,000 yuan, with both parties signing a contract and paying a deposit to prevent backtracking."
The report also mentioned that the cleaner surnamed Wang did not operate alone but with the assistance of hospital staff. Presently, a known individual involved is the head of the gynecology department. This named head was investigated for involvement in baby trafficking in 2022 but was not prosecuted and remains employed at the hospital.
In addition to the figures involved, the "industry chain" behind the scenes, including the source and destination of these babies, the origin of birth certificates, and the transaction price differences, raise several unresolved questions. The Datong First People's Hospital reported the matter to police at the end of last year.
Regarding the hospital staff allegedly involved in baby trafficking, the Datong city government announced on the 2nd the formation of a joint investigation team to carry out investigation work. They pledged to handle any law violations and disciplinary issues legally and seriously.