A listed pharmaceutical company in Shanghai has been accused of bribing doctors to improve its sales.

Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding has allegedly given kickbacks to doctors in 31 hospitals in Qingdao, Shandong province, for prescribing an anemia treatment produced by its subsidiary, Qingdao Growful Medicine Co Ltd, according to a report in 21st Century Business Herald.

Hospitals involved include top-level public ones in the city, including the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University and Qingdao Municipal Hospital Group.