Chinese Health Minister Discusses Drug Safety

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., has met with leading officials in China, as part of a series of negotiations launched by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt with Chinese counterparts on the safety of food, feed, drugs and medical devices.

The latest meeting provided another opportunity for high-ranking experts from both governments to exchange views and information about their respective efforts to protect and promote the health of their citizens.

Dr. von Eschenbach met with Dr. Zhu Chen, minister of health of the People's Republic of China; Commissioner of China's State Food and Drug Administration, Shao Mingli; and Vice Minister Chuanzhong Wei of the Chinese General Administration of Quality, Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

"Our discussions were very productive," said Dr. von Eschenbach. "Minister Chen, Commissioner Shao and Vice Minister Wei are distinguished leaders, who are, like me, dedicated to enhancing the health of the men, women, and children we each serve, and to protecting the safety of our food supply and chain of medical and pharmaceutical products. We are all deeply committed to enhancing the health of the publics we serve."

During the meeting, both sides framed their discussion in the context of global medical research and public health concerns, all of which the activities of their respective organizations affect.