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OPHA applauds Operation Health Protection
June 22, 2004
The Ontario Public Health Association (OPHA) commends the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for the development of Operation Health Protection, the action plan to rebuild the public health system.
"This plan shows the commitment of the Government to strengthen Ontario's public health system and the understanding that public health is a crucial service in need of support," said Dr. Peter Wiebe, President of the Ontario Public Health Association.
In particular, the creation of the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Agency, the enhanced independence of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) and the strengthening of emergency management, infectious disease control and health system preparedness are all positive and forward-looking changes for the public health system.
According to Operation Health Protection, the Chief Medical Officer of Health will produce an annual Ontario Public Health Performance Report. In its recently released report Developing a Balanced Scorecard for Public Health, the Institute for Clinical and Evaluative Sciences noted that "the lead coordinating agencies should be independent from public health funders and decision makers", and identified OPHA as one of the lead sponsoring agencies in measuring and reporting on public health performance.
"OPHA speaks for individuals employed and active in public health in Ontario, and is looking forward to providing input on behalf of our membership and stakeholders," said Dr. Garry Aslanyan, Vice-President of OPHA. "The Association would be pleased to work alongside the CMOH in the development of the Ontario Public Health Performance Report. We also see OPHA in an advisory role on the Task Force to ensure a comprehensive and balanced approach to the development and implementation of the Health Protection and Promotion Agency."
The OPHA is a voluntary, charitable association that provides leadership on issues affecting the public's health and represents individuals who are active in public and community health throughout Ontario.
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For further information, contact:
Dr. Garry Aslanyan, OPHA Vice-President: (819) 997-4871
Dr. Peter Wiebe, OPHA President: (905) 546-2424 ext. 3787
Sophie Bart, OPHA Communications Coordinator: (416) 367-3313 ext.237
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