Hu Wanlin

Hu Wanlin (Born 1949, Mianyang, China) is thought to be one of the worlds most prolific medical serial killers. He was arrested for killing 146 people, but suspected of the deaths of more.

Early life
Hu 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 5 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.