Hu Wanlin
Encyclopedia
Hu Wanlin was thought to be one of the world's most prolific medical serial killers. He was arrested for killing 146 people.
, Sichuan Province and only completed primary education. He was imprisoned for homicide in the 1980s "China accuses 'mystic healer' of killing 150 of his patients" 8 January 1999 Guardian, "China accuses 'mystic healer' of killing 150 of his patients" as well as swindling, and abducting and trafficking in women. While in prison in 1993, he opened a medical practice.
On release in 1997 he continued practising medicine illegally in the northern Shanxi Province and northwestern Shaanxi Province where he allegedly started two hospitals. Guardian 1 February 2000 "Doctor's name joins ranks of world's worst murderers"This continued until February 1998, when he was banned by local authorities. Hu then went to Henan
in June 1998.
Hu's 'treatments' were thought to have resulted in the death of at least 146 people. The “treatments” involved herbal preparations which were proved to contain high amounts of sodium sulphate which is poisonous in large doses. He also employed the traditional practice of qigong
, in which the healer is said to emit qi
from his body, which allegedly has curative powers without physical contact being necessary. Hu became well-known, having his medical practice and “medical miracles” described by a well-known Chinese novelist, Ke Yunlu. It seems that his malpractice continued for many years due to bribes paid to officials.
Hu was arrested on January 18, 1999 in Shangqiu
, aged 50, on suspicion of causing nearly 150 deaths. He was convicted of practising medicine without a license on October 1, 2000, receiving 15 years imprisonment, suspension of voting rights for five years and a 150,000 yuan
fine.
As a direct result of the trial an official system of medical licensing was set up in China.
Background
Hu Wanlin was born in the city of MianyangMianyang
Mianyang is the second largest prefecture-level city of Sichuan province in Southwest China. Its administrative area includes the city proper of Mianyang, with 985,586 inhabitants in the built up area , the county-level city of Jiangyou, and six counties, covering an area of over and a population...
, Sichuan Province and only completed primary education. He was imprisoned for homicide in the 1980s "China accuses 'mystic healer' of killing 150 of his patients" 8 January 1999 Guardian, "China accuses 'mystic healer' of killing 150 of his patients" as well as swindling, and abducting and trafficking in women. While in prison in 1993, he opened a medical practice.
On release in 1997 he continued practising medicine illegally in the northern Shanxi Province and northwestern Shaanxi Province where he allegedly started two hospitals. Guardian 1 February 2000 "Doctor's name joins ranks of world's worst murderers"This continued until February 1998, when he was banned by local authorities. Hu then went to Henan
Henan
Henan , is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the central part of the country. Its one-character abbreviation is "豫" , named after Yuzhou , a Han Dynasty state that included parts of Henan...
in June 1998.
Hu's 'treatments' were thought to have resulted in the death of at least 146 people. The “treatments” involved herbal preparations which were proved to contain high amounts of sodium sulphate which is poisonous in large doses. He also employed the traditional practice of qigong
Qigong
Qigong or chi kung is a practice of aligning breath, movement, and awareness for exercise, healing, and meditation...
, in which the healer is said to emit qi
Qi
In traditional Chinese culture, qì is an active principle forming part of any living thing. Qi is frequently translated as life energy, lifeforce, or energy flow. Qi is the central underlying principle in traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts...
from his body, which allegedly has curative powers without physical contact being necessary. Hu became well-known, having his medical practice and “medical miracles” described by a well-known Chinese novelist, Ke Yunlu. It seems that his malpractice continued for many years due to bribes paid to officials.
Hu was arrested on January 18, 1999 in Shangqiu
Shangqiu
Shangqiu is a city in eastern Henan province, Central China. It borders Kaifeng to the northwest, Zhoukou to the southwest, and the provinces of Shandong and Anhui to the northeast and southeast respectively. An ancient city with a rich history, Shangqiu was also the first capital of the Shang...
, aged 50, on suspicion of causing nearly 150 deaths. He was convicted of practising medicine without a license on October 1, 2000, receiving 15 years imprisonment, suspension of voting rights for five years and a 150,000 yuan
Chinese yuan
The yuan is the base unit of a number of modern Chinese currencies. The yuan is the primary unit of account of the Renminbi.A yuán is also known colloquially as a kuài . One yuán is divided into 10 jiǎo or colloquially máo...
fine.
As a direct result of the trial an official system of medical licensing was set up in China.