In an effort to better the security at public health facilities, 21 hospitals in Beijing were given riot gear and anti-personnel equipment by the Beijing Municipal Administration of Hospitals on Wednesday.

The hospitals also conducted anti-terror and security drill jointly held by Beijing's police and medical system.

The dispensed equipment consists of 840 sets of helmet, stab-resistant body armor, cut-resistant gloves, rubber baton and protective belt, as well as 84 sets of anti-riot equipment, including explosive-proof blanket, fork against armed robber and pepper spray.

Some hospital security departments were also equipped with digital recorders.

An official from the Beijing Municipal Administration of Hospitals said up to 2.68 million yuan was used to purchase the equipment by the municipal finance department.

The growing number of attacks on doctors and hospital personnel in recent years has moved the local government to enhance security at public hospitals.