China's Ministry of Health on Thursday urged local authorities
to make timely reports of their responses to public health
emergencies caused by disasters.
Health departments must deliver a report of the disaster and
consequent disease outbreaks to higher health authorities within 24
hours of the disaster being confirmed.
Disease control and assessment of potential hazards to public
health should be included in the report to be sent through a
national reporting network as well as in document, said the
ministry in a statement.
The disasters mentioned include those caused by human activities
as well as natural disasters, such as floods, droughts, severe
weather, earthquakes, forest fires, and geological, biological and
maritime calamities.
The occurrence of a disaster should be confirmed by authorities
above county level.
Emergency response offices had been set up by health departments
in 27 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities across China
by the end of 2005, according to the
ministry.
At least 66 percent of township clinics, 93.21 percent of public
health institutions at and above the county level, and all local
disease control centers across the country were able to report
public health incidents to higher authorities through the
network.
The State Council held a national meeting on emergency
management last week, urging local governments to examine hidden
dangers that could make natural disasters worse and improve
emergency response plans.
(Xinhua News Agency July 14, 2006)