Shanghai local health authorities have established 108 first-aid teams in preparation for Shanghai's Olympic events.

The sourcing of medical equipment and facilities is well underway, Shanghai Health Bureau Director Xu Jiangang said yesterday.

Plans for monitoring infectious diseases and guaranteeing blood supplies were also advanced, he said.

Under the plan, local disease control and prevention centers will research potential epidemics and monitor infectious diseases from each of the Olympics' guest regions.

Experts will be available to inform medical emergency staff about health-protection measures and early disease detection. Health inspectors will check the air and food quality in all hotels and stadiums involved in the Games, with central air conditioners the key targets.

"The national policy on medical reform ? Which involves building health systems and providing health services, medical guarantees and the supply of medication ? Will be publicized in two or three months," Xu said.

The bureau's plan this year includes the enhancement of service quality in neighborhood health centers, the promotion of a smart card with each patient's health information in more community facilities, the improvement of traditional Chinese medicine-based disease prevention therapy, and legislation to control smoking in the city.

Editor's Note

Heads of the city's 12 government departments have begun a 12-day live media talk show to discuss topics of interest to ordinary locals.

Shanghai Daily reporters will follow the series featuring the department directors who will take questions from members of the community.

The program is broadcast live via radio and the Internet from 9am to 10am every day until April 18. Locals can log onto Eastday.com to submit questions or topics to be discussed on the program.

(Shanghai Daily April 17, 2008)