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 Centre 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 centre, 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 centres 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 centre 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)