26/01/2010 Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development
"Are decisions on pandemics taken on the best scientific evidence only?" was the question asked at a January public hearing of PACE's Committee on Social, Health and Family Affairs which looked into the handling of the H1N1 pandemic. The World Health Organisation's flu chief defended his organisation, saying its advice was not improperly influenced by the pharmaceutical industry.
The committee now intends to hold a second public hearing in Paris, with the participation of government officials who dealt with the pandemic. Rapporteur Paul Flynn (United Kingdom, SOC) is also due to visit the WHO’s headquarters in Geneva. His report should be available at the end of April, for a possible plenary debate in June.