China’s education ministry ordered a nationwide investigation last week into whether schools are giving students medication without permission after a protest by parents of kindergartners who were given an antiviral drug.
The announcement came a week after an angry protest by parents whose children were given the drug in the city of Xi’an. Some children suffered stomach pain, dizziness, and other symptoms, but authorities say it is unclear whether it was linked to the drug.
Police in Xi’an said two kindergartens gave children the medication to improve attendance rates and boost their incomes. Police said they have detained suspects and are determining how extensively the medication was used.
