China's Political Season: CPPCC member calls for unified monitoring mechanism for environment & health

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Among the proposals put forward in this year's meeting of China's political advisory body is one seeking a unified approach to protecting people's health. As Zheng Yibing reports, the proposal calls for improving the country's environmental monitoring system through close cooperation between the environment and health sectors.

Health hazards from the environment remain a problem in China, one that experts say calls for stronger collective efforts. During this year's Two Sessions, a proposal addressing the issue was put forward.

PROF. SHI XIAOMING NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH "We need a national mechanism to bring together all relevant departments and give them very specific tasks, in monitoring the environment and people's health, as well as evaluating any related risks."

Professor Shi Xiaoming of the National Institute of Environmental Health said people from the health and environment sectors have joined the effort. Yet they have different understandings of their duties, causing inefficiency. At this institute in Beijing, a working model for cooperation between the sectors is taking shape.

ZHENG YIBING BEIJING "There are many research projects currently underway at the institute. The majority focus on environmental hazards, and how those hazards impact human health."

Every day researchers here collect air, water, and soil samples, as well as information on healthcare and disease across the nation.

These are tasks that usually belong to separate departments.

PROF. SHI XIAOMING NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH "Through this, we analyze deaths caused by various diseases in China, and find out where diseases and pollutants are most concentrated."

Shi said the institute sets an example of how closer ties between China's environment and health sectors can work.

It's the core of the proposal he submitted to the CPPCC. Under it, a set of work rules with specific tasks will be issued, and periodic action plans released.

PROF. SHI XIAOMING NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH "Through establishing the mechanism, we aim to push forward the adjustment of relevant policies and regulations of our country, and help improve our environment and people's health."

Shi said his team spent months revising the proposal and fine-tuning its details, to ensure it gains the support of other political advisors at this year's session.

Even as a new member, he said he's confident in putting the proposal forward, and pushing for his cause. ZHENG YIBING CGTN BEIJING.