Anhui Drug Administration Vows to Punish Officials Over 'Distressed Worker Form' Controversy

The Anhui Provincial Drug Administration issued a statement on the evening of July 2:

Recently, information regarding a "Distressed Worker Registration Form" from the Anhui Provincial Drug Administration drew public attention. An investigation found that a grassroots unit under the administration had filled out the registration form during preliminary screening for visitation recipients without sufficient rigor and attention to detail. Upon subsequent review, it was determined that the individual did not meet the eligibility criteria and was therefore not included in the visitation list.

The Anhui Provincial Drug Administration stated that it will impose strict disciplinary measures on the responsible personnel and will earnestly improve its work practices and efficiency. The administration expressed sincere gratitude to the public and news media for their supervision and support.

According to previous media reports, the controversy erupted after a retired woman with a monthly income of 7,889 yuan (approximately $1,100) was discovered to have filled out a "Distressed Worker Registration Form" from the Anhui Drug Administration. The form indicates that the woman is 63 years old, with a monthly income of 7,899 yuan, while her spouse earns 12,100 yuan per month. The incident sparked widespread debate on social media about the criteria for qualifying as a "distressed worker."