System and capability of public health response to nuclear or radiological emergencies in China

Abstract

In order to respond to nuclear or radiological emergencies effectively and protect the physical and mental health of the public, the national-, provincial-, municipal- and county-level public health response systems for nuclear or radiological emergencies had been established in China by the end of twentieth century. The health administrative departments at all levels have established professional emergency response teams, continue to improve their own level of emergency response systems and operating mechanisms, enhance the capabilities of radiation injury treatment, radiation monitoring and protection through training and exercises and also pay attention to the logistical support for emergency response. In this article the organizations, management system and capabilities of public health response to nuclear or radiological emergencies in China are briefly introduced. We try to strengthen information exchange and cooperation with foreign counterparts in this field in the future, so as to jointly promote the development of preparedness and response for nuclear or radiological emergencies.