In an attempt to be prepared to face any kind of unforeseen pandemic, the province of Ontario ,in Canada,is all geared to set up a centre for disease control. The officials, plan to form the centre on the same lines as the Centre for Disease Control, situated in Atlanta, U.S.
Canadian media, quoting government sources, reported on Sunday that the provincial government of Ontario, intends to initiate proceedings to frame legislation, on the 12th of December, 2006 .The legislation is to set up the Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion. The provincial government hopes to pass the legislation by 2007 spring. The details for the centre are yet to be finalised.This agency will be authorised to research infectious diseases and will be the authorised body that will provide help, in the event of medical emergencies, such as outbreak of infectious diseases.
The agency will also aim to improve environmental hygiene and other health related practices that aim at preventing emergencies arising because of unforeseen infectious diseases.There are similar agencies operating in Quebec and in British Columbia.
The government officials are optimistic that this will provide much better security for Ontarians from medical emergencies resulting from infectious out breaks. Following the SARS outbreak, in 2003 , recommendations were made by experts , to create a centre to man such outbreaks of illnesses.SARS had claimed the lives of over 44 people in Toronto. Health workers had been prompt in meting out help to those affected and were lauded for their efforts to contain that deadly infection, in Ontario in 2003.
Source-Medindia
MST
