Debate over doctor treating sex workers

Reports on a rural doctor, who was jailed for a year-and-a-half for providing medical services to sex workers 12 years ago, have sparked a debate on social media.

Dr Feng, from Zhejiang province, was found guilty of helping a group of female prostitutes. He was fined 5,000 yuan and sentenced to 18 months in prison, the Xiaoxiang Morning Herald reported.

The case was recently reviewed by lawyer Fu Shifeng, who believed it had been misjudged.

The story first emerged in 2008 when the owner of a foot massage centre, surnamed Li, contacted a man, surnamed Feng, who was operating an unlicensed clinic.

Li told Feng that one of his employees was ill and asked him to visit her at home.

Despite having no professional qualifications, Feng agreed to see the patient. His treatment was a success and he become a regular doctor for Li’s workers.

Feng realised the massage centre also offered sex services, but he chose not to report it to the local authorities or police.

He believed his responsibility as a doctor was to care for patients regardless of their profession. However, he was also worried about his unlicensed practice being exposed.

He was investigated and arrested by police in May 2011.

Feng launched an appeal but failed to overturn the decision because it was assumed he was helping Li run his business.

Huang Mingru, a criminal law professor at Xiangtan University, said giving medical services to sex workers was not a crime, regardless of whether a doctor knew whom they were treating.

Doctors had a duty of care and anybody was entitled to seek medical help, he added.

“Feng had a responsibility to report his patient if he was aware of any unlawful activity, but it does not mean he was personally committing a crime,” Huang said.

Feng, who served his sentence a decade ago, told the Herald he did not want to dwell on that difficult time.

“Feng’s calling is to help people and not do harm to others. It’s really a wrong verdict,” one social media user said.

“He clearly knew it was a prostitution business, but he did not report it to the police. He should take legal responsibility,” another said.