An investigation into local government plans for public health emergencies in China.
OBJECTIVE
A cross-sectional investigation was designed to assess the quality of local government plans for public health emergencies and to determine whether relevant regulations for emergency plans are in place.


METHODS
Sixty-six municipalities were selected randomly using stratified sampling, and a questionnaire investigation on emergency plans was conducted in these municipalities.


RESULTS
The findings show that approximately 50% of emergency plans omitted important content; less than 50% of municipalities had established three regulations for emergency plans.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on the analysis, the quality of existing public health emergency plans is not sufficient. More than 50% of municipalities lack regulations for emergency plans. Suggestions regarding the responsibility of government at different levels are made. First, central government should draw up a set of standard development procedures and a standard template for emergency plans. Secondly, local governments should revise their plans. Thirdly, local governments should establish regulations for emergency plans as soon as possible.
Hu
Guoqing
G
Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Xiang-Ya School of Medicine, Central South University, 110 Xiang-ya Road, Changsha City, Hunan Province, 410078, China. huguoqing110@xysm.net
Rao
Keqin
K
Sun
Zhaoquan
Z
Sun
Zhenqiu
Z
D002681:China; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004189:Disaster Planning; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009111:Local Government; D011634:Public Health