A Guangdong television host has apologized to the public for posting comments online that hinted at violence against medical practitioners.

Wang Mudi, producer and co-host of a business program on Guangdong Satellite TV, was widely criticized for his controversial post on Sina Weibo complaining about the way his girlfriend was treated at a hospital.

Like Us on Facebook

In the post, Wang said a nurse had pierced the skin on his girlfriend's hand four times before finally locating a vein, causing his girlfriend tremendous pain.

"I would also like to chop someone with a knife," Wang said in the post where he also complained about the nurse's alleged arrogance and apathy.

Wang's post, which came at a time of intense debate over recent violence committed against medical workers, drew instant criticism from online users and from the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, which published an open letter demanding that Wang apologize to the public and resign from Guangdong TV.

Wang's comments "put the doctor-patient relationship in danger; a person with such violent tendencies is not fit to be a TV host," the association said.

Health Ministry data shows a marked increase in violent attacks on doctors, nurses and health workers in recent years, with the number of cases reaching 17,243 in 2010.

"I deeply regret the Weibo post and emotional outburst. I would like to express my sincere apologies to all medical staff and internet users," Wang said, adding that his Weibo post was not meant to be a personal attack against anyone.

A representative of Guangdong TV says they are now looking into Wang's case and will publish the result of their probe soon.