The Ministry of Health has reportedly tightened controls on purchases of high-priced "Group A" medical devices, which cost more than 5 million yuan (about US$710,000), saying that such equipment could contribute to rising medical expenses.

The ministry and the National Development and Reform Commission will jointly develop a procurement plan for such items as X-ray machines and PET-CT scanners, according to the Beijing News.

The ministry said that these devices involved high operating costs and complex technologies.

The ministry said that it would ask experts to evaluate the purchase of such equipment before giving approval to medical organizations.

(Xinhua News Agency February 14, 2008)