Biweekly Symposium No. 549: China's Vaccine Security and Its Management System. Lecturer: WANG Keqin Host: SHENG Hong Commentators: CHEN Taoan, JIANG Su Concerning the latest vaccine scandal, Mr. WANG Keqin, a famous investigative journalist who revealed the former vaccine scandal in Shanxi Province, thought it was merely resurgence of the previous incident. To his regret, his previous warning on more scrutinisation was ignored by the authorities. Mr. WANG Keqin introduced the investigation on the previous Shanxi vaccine scandal. It was very difficult for the public to get to know the truth when anything took place in the public sphere concerning public security. And most of the obstacles were posed by the government. He then emphasised that the the main problem with vaccines was in the circulation process, though misconduct was also discovered in the manufacture of the vaccines. Professor SHENG Hong commented that the improper management of this scandal inflicted a lot of controversies. And the major problem was a mentality and practice that department interest comes before public interest. The government was incapable of handling such public crises when departments came forward and block the journalists from revealing the truth. That’s why it was critical to fight against department interest and uphold citizens’ right to know. |