BEIJING - Chinese lawmakers are considering codifying epidemic containment practices that proved effective in the fight against COVID-19 in amending the country's physicians law.

A draft revision of the physicians law was presented Wednesday to the  25th session session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for the first reading. The three-day session began on Wednesday.

The country shall establish training and working mechanisms for physicians that suit modern disease prevention and control systems, according to the draft.

A draft revision of the physicians law stipulates that physicians should be at the disposal of health authorities in case of an emergency and national defense mobilization

It stipulates that physicians should be at the disposal of health authorities in case of an emergency and national defense mobilization.

Physicians are obligated to report to authorities immediately upon identifying epidemics, sudden outbreaks of diseases of unknown causes and abnormal health incidents.

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The draft also stipulates that physicians who make outstanding contributions to the prevention and identification of such emergencies as well as saving people's lives should be recognized for their efforts.

Penalties for identity theft 

Chinese lawmakers are considering specific penalties for those who steal the identities of others to enroll in a school or college as they deliberated the draft amendment to the nation's Education Law.

Such impostors will have their admission qualifications revoked and be barred from relevant national examinations for one to three years, according to the draft.

Impostors who have been awarded academic diplomas will have their diplomas revoked and those who have been employed by public institutions will be dismissed, according to the draft.

Wetland protection

On Wednesday, Chinese lawmakers also started deliberating a draft law on wetlands protection, the country's first national legislation on conserving its lakes and swamps.

In strengthening the management of wetlands, the draft stipulates that a national catalog of important wetlands shall be compiled by forestry and grassland authorities and other related departments of the State Council, while provincial-level governments shall compile catalogs of important wetlands within their jurisdiction.

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The draft prohibits any organization or individual from destroying the habitat of birds and aquatic life in wetlands.

Those breaching the law may be fined up to 1 million yuan (about US$154,523) or face criminal penalties if their violations constitute crimes, according to the draft. 

Legal aid law

A draft of the legal aid legislation was submitted Wednesday to the ongoing session for the first reading to better protect people's legitimate rights and interests.

The draft defines legal aid as a service rendered by the country free of charge to people in financial difficulties and other personnel that meet the statutory requirements. The service ranges from legal counseling to criminal defense.

According to the draft, applicants eligible for legal aid include those who seek compensation for work-related injuries as well as injuries sustained in traffic, medical, and food and drug safety accidents, and need a lawyer but cannot appoint one due to financial difficulties.

Those who make a claim for payment of child support or support for other family members, or for work remuneration, may apply for legal aid if they cannot afford a lawyer, the draft notes.

The agenda of the 25th session of the standing committee also includes reviewing draft revisions to the Law on Animal Epidemic Prevention and the Administrative Penalty Law, as well as draft amendments to the Law on Workplace Safety and the Education Law.

During the session, lawmakers will also deliberate a draft coast guard law and a draft family education law.

They will also review a draft decision on establishing a Beijing financial court and multiple reports including one on the recording and review work of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee in 2020.