BEIJING -- China will allot revenue from the environmental protection tax to local governments to motivate participation in the fight against pollution.China's Environment Tax Law will be effective on Jan. 1, 2018, according to a decree by the State Council signed by Premier Li Keqiang.China has collected a "pollutant discharge fee" since 1979. However, some local governments exploit loopholes and exempt enterprises which are otherwise big contributors to fiscal revenue. For years, regulators have suggested replacing the fee system with a law.Under the new law, which targets enterprises and public institutions that discharge listed pollutants directly into the environment, companies will pay taxes for producing noise, air and water pollutants as well as solid waste.Tackling pollution has been listed as one of "the three tough battles" that China aims to win in the next three years, according to the Central Economic Work Conference that concluded last week.Official data showed from January to November, China investigated over 35,600 violations of environmental protection laws and regulations, up more than 102 percent year on year. paper wristbands uklogo braceletscustom livestrong bracelets
CHENGDU - An international emergency medical team consisting of medical professionals from southwest China's Sichuan province has been verified by the World Health Organization (WHO), a local hospital said Tuesday.Capable of providing advanced medical services, it is the first Chinese medical team to be verified as Type 3, the highest level in WHO's emergency medical teams initiative, according to West China Hospital under Sichuan University.China International Emergency Medical Team (Sichuan) consists of 166 personnel including 41 doctors and 65 nurses. It is able to treat 200 outpatients and perform 15 major surgical procedures and 30 minor surgical procedures per day.The team is a partnership between several hospitals in Sichuan and local centers for disease control and prevention.The WHO initiative helps countries affected by disasters or outbreaks and emergencies to identify teams that are appropriately trained and equipped when they seek international medical assistance.
