A gynecological hospital in Chongqing has banned its doctors and nurses from using Apple's latest smart iPhone 7 series, saying the prohibition was based on monetary concerns.

"The administrative office of the hospital has decided not to allow any staff members to buy the iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 plus. Anyone who insists on purchasing one will be removed from candidacy for annual rewards of outstanding performances. And those who could not afford an iPhone 7 cell phone but still bought one will be asked to resign," a latest circular issued by the hospital said.

According to the circular, the boycott of Apple's newest creation was due to its high cost, which far exceeds the prices of other smart phones.

"With the 67th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China approaching, the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 plus have been priced unprecedentedly high, which corrupts people with extravagant spending and contaminates the virtue of frugal living," the circular explained.

The circular has gone viral on the Internet and was confirmed from Chongqing's Fuling Xinjiuzhou Gynecological Hospital, even though the president of the hospital cannot be reached, Chongqing Times reported.

It was not the first time for an employer to ban their staff members from owning Apple's latest smart phones.

Several days ago, a company in Henan Province forbade its employees to buy the iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 plus, saying it's better to contribute their savings to improve their family lives rather than spending them on such luxuries.

Apple released the iPhone 7, a handset with single camera lens, and the iPhone 7 plus, with double lenses, earlier this month, and their starting prices are approximately 5,388 yuan (US$808.06) and 6,388 yuan respectively on the Chinese market.

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