China is improving its response to public health emergencies by
introducing a new national information system and mandatory
reporting rules for major threats.
Epidemics, mass poisonings, radiation leaks and other public health
emergencies already have to be reported within six hours of their
detection.
The new rules came into effect at the beginning of this year,
according to Li Liming, director of the Chinese Center for Disease
Prevention and Control.
He
said the mandatory reporting rules applied to accidents or
illnesses that posed risks to public health and social
security.
Li
said China has set up a nationwide network to bring epidemic
diseases under control.
His center, established early last year, includes an office for
disease control and emergency management.
A
total of 1,248 health experts now work in 63 control centers
nationwide.
Li
said their track records indicate they can tackle emergent public
health problems, even if investigations take time because of the
complexities involved.
The government will invest more money and expertise to make the
network more efficient, he added.
He
said the government is considering setting up a mechanism to notify
the public of public health emergencies.
"The task is pressing and it can keep the public informed during
emergencies and reduce unnecessary chaos,'' said Li.
He
also said the system could make people aware of preventive or
counter measures in such situations.
The media are also an important channel for letting the public know
what they can do to help, said Li.
He
suggested the Ministry of Health establish an alert system for
monitoring and reporting on epidemics.
"The ministry should adopt more consistent monitoring, analysis and
reporting protocols,'' said Li.
He
said his center is busy setting up a national public health
information system.
"The system will play an important role in government's
decision-making process and in public health education," said
Li.
(China Daily April 10, 2003)