Draft law seeks to strengthen public health emergency response

A draft law on public health emergency response was submitted for its third review to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislature, early this week, with a highlight on the establishment of an intelligent multipoint trigger mechanism to strengthen surveillance of acute public health events.

The draft also mandates a nationwide information-sharing system across departments and regions to enhance coordinated monitoring and data exchange.

In addition, medical institutions and personnel unable to report data online are required to submit information via telephone, fax, or other means to local disease control centers.

The draft also adds the phrase "safeguarding public security" to its legislative purpose to stress the direct link between handling acute public health emergencies and safeguarding public security.