Doctors and pharmacists who are found overprescribing antibiotics to patients are to be stripped of their licenses to prescribe the drug, according to China's new health regulations.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Health issued the management provisions on the clinical application of antibiotics, which will take effect on Aug 1. The provisions aim to clamp down on the overuse of antibiotics by hospitals nationwide.

The rules put antibiotics in three categories - non-limited, limited and special antibiotics - depending on their cost, side effects and incidence of drug resistance. Doctors and pharmacists will be required to receive training and pass exams, and will only be able to acquire the antibiotics prescription rights granted for their own level of professional qualification.