Hu Wanlin (胡万林, born 1949, Mianyang, China) is thought to be one of the world's most prolific medical serial killers. He was arrested for killing 146 people, but suspected of the deaths of more. Early life Hu Wanlin was born in the city of Mianyang, Sichuan Province and only completed primary education. He was imprisoned for intentional homicide, swindling, and abducting and trafficking in women. While in prison in 1993, he opened a medical practice. Medical career On release in 1997 he continued practicing medicine illegally in the northern Shanxi Province and northwestern Shaanxi Province where he started two hospitals. This continued until February 1998, when he was banned by local authorities. Hu then went to Henan in June 1998. Hu's 'treatments' were thought to have resulted in the death of at least 146 people. The 'treatments' involved herbal preparations which were proved to contain high amounts of sodium sulphate which is poisonous in large doses. He also employed the traditional practice of qigong, in which the healer emits qi from his body. The qi has curative powers, without physical contact being necessary. Hu became well-known, having his medical practice and "medical miracles" described by a well-known Chinese novelist, Ke Yunlu. Trial Hu was arrested in January 18, 1999 in Shangqiu, tried for practicing medicine without a license and convicted on October 1, 2000. He received 15 years imprisonment, suspension of voting rights for five years and a 150,000 yuan fine. As a direct result of the trial an official system of medical licensing was set up in China. Wikipedia.org The Dabbler Hu Wanlin is a Sichuan native of China . He received only a primary school education, and then led a troubled life. While serving a sentence in jail for intentional homicide, swindling, and abducting and trafficking in women, Hu decided to try something different. In 1993, while still in jail, he opened a medical practice. Four years later Hu was released from prison, and although he had no legal certification, he continued to practice medicine in the Shaanxi and Henan provinces. Hu called himself a miracle-worker who could diagnose patients with only a cursory examination that might last only five seconds. He worked in the traditional practice of qigong, which requires the healer to emit qi from his body. The qi would have curative powers, without physical contact being necessary. There were thousands of such practitioners in China , with eager followers. Hu himself became a public figure, having his medical practice and "medical miracles" described by a well-known Chinese novelist, Ke Yunlu. Yet scientists denounced him. And there were problems. Hu sold home-made herbal medicines, which were mixed with the mineral salt mirabilite. These medicines contained lethal amounts of sodium sulfate. He didn't save his patients; in fact, some died. Three deaths were clearly attributed to his illegal and unsafe practices. Hu was arrested in January 1999 at the age of 50, suspected in causing the deaths of nearly 150 patients. He was charged with illegally practicing medicine and was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years in prison. As part of his punishment, he no longer has the right to vote for five years and he had to pay a fine 150,000 Yuan. According to reports in the Xinhua News Agency, this case helped bring attention to the problems China has had with unauthorized medical practice, and China has now set up a medical licensing system under which only licensed doctors are allowed to treat patients. In 1999, 300,000 Chinese passed a national medical examination and became China 's first group of licensed doctors. CrimeLibrary.com Hu Wanlin January 18, 1999 The Chinese state-run Xinhua News Agency reported a self-styled "doctor" who practiced the traditional medical art of qigong -- a deep-breathing technique dating back 5,000 years -- was arrested for killing between 100 to 190 patients. Hu Wanlin, 50, from Shangqiu in central Henan province, had been practicing qigong in the area since June 1998. He previously served two prison terms for operating illegal medical clinics in various parts of China. "Omnipotent Doctor" Sentenced 15-year Imprisonment January 16, 2001 Hu Wanlin, a self-promoted "omnipotent doctor" in central China's Henan Province, was sentenced 15 years in prison, deprived of five years of political rights and levied a fine of 150,000 yuan for illegally practicing medicine. According to Henan provincial Higher People's Court's investigation, Hu was born in the city of Mianyang, Sichuan Province. He practiced medicine illegally in the northern Shanxi Province and northwestern Shaanxi Province from July 1997 to February 1998, and was banned by local authorities. Wang Baoran, a Henan engineer with a kidney dysfunction died as a result of Hu's traditional Chinese medicine on December 16, 1997. Hu went to Henan in June 1998 to continue practicing medicine after the ban on his practice in Shaanxi. During the period, Liu Famin, mayor of Luohe city in Henan, who had liver cancer, died from using Hu's prescription medicine after taking it for four days. He Suyun, a retired teacher in Shangqiu, also died for the same reason on October 1. Hu's illegal practice of medicine resulted in several deaths, which broke related laws. The court decided on a stern punishment for him considering the serious consequences and great impact on society. Hu Wanlin On January 18, 1999, the Chinese state-run Xinhua News Agency reported a self-styled "doctor" who practiced the traditional medical art of qigong -- a deep-breathing technique dating back 5,000 years -- was arrested for killing between 100 to 190 patients. Hu Wanlin, 50, from Shangqiu in central Henan province, had been practicing qigong in the area since June 1998. He previously served two prison terms for operating illegal medical clinics in various parts of China. Qigong masters are said to have the ability to concentrate "qi" or energy in certain parts of their bodies and to use it to help diagnose and cure a wide range of ailments. Authorities allege Hu's home-brewed Chinese herbal medicines included lethal amounts of sodium sulphate. Hu came to prominence in 1997 with his claims of a 90 percent cure rate in treatment of cancer, hepatitis and high blood pressure. He was even the subject of a book, "Qigong Master," which supported his claim to possess mystical healing powers. When released in 1997 after spending 14 years in prison on murder charges, Hu set up the Hu Wanling Hospital in Taiyuan, Shaanxi province, where authorities allege his treatment caused the death of 20 patients. In November 1997, Hu established the Zhongnanshan Hospital, also in Shaanxi, where 146 people died under his treatment, the report said. After police closed the hospital, Hu fled to Shangqiu, where the local health bureau formally invited him to set up the Weida Hospital. Thirty patients died there under his care.