The State Council published a set of regulations on emergency
public health cases Monday, which had been signed by Chinese
Premier Wen Jiabao.
The regulations were made up of six chapters and 54 articles,
including general rules, prevention and emergency preparations,
reporting and information broadcasting, emergency procedures, legal
responsibility and supplementary articles.
The regulations came into force with publication.
According to the regulations, the State Council shall set up an
emergency headquarters to deal with any public health
emergencies.
The regulations also prescribe reporting systems in public health
emergencies.
Public health emergencies refer to serious epidemics, widespread
unidentified diseases, food and industrial poisoning, and other
serious cases detrimental to public health.
(Xinhua News Agency May 13, 2003)