China is capable of preventing and controlling a resurgence of
severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), vice premier and health
minister Wu Yi told a national conference Monday.
So far China has not found any new SARS cases and preventative
efforts have been made across the country, according to Wu, who
heads the National Headquarters on SARS Control.
She called for close monitoring, further research and
improvements to the government crisis-control mechanism in order to
avoid a resurgence of the fatal disease.
The central government has sent 16 teams to inspect the
preventative work by local governments in 31 provinces, autonomous
regions and municipalities.
Local governments have made substantial efforts to prevent the
disease, Wu said.
The official urged local governments and health departments to
maintain high alert to prevent any recurrence of the disease, and
said any SARS case or suspected case should be directly reported to
the ministry immediately.
Supervisory and preventative measures in SARS designated
hospitals and fever clinics of ordinary hospitals should be
maintained, said Wu. As well, medical equipment and technical
facilities in rural hospitals need to be upgraded and medical staff
must receive better training in SARS prevention.
She also urged speeding up the establishment of a nationwide
disease prevention and reporting system.
(China Daily?November 4, 2003)