News Release
1999-98
July 21, 1999
Health Canada systems are Y2K ready
OTTAWA - Health Minister Allan Rock today announced that Health Canada's essential services are now Y2K ready.
"I am pleased with what Health Canada has achieved in addressing this unique challenge," said Minister Rock. "Health Canada's government-wide, mission-critical systems are 100 per cent ready."
Health Canada has 15 mission-critical computer systems that support essential services to Canadians. These systems, for example, support functions that collect and analyze key health information from across the country, including disease surveillance and public health data. They also involve the provision of direct community health services to First Nations on-reserve and Inuit in Canada.
Some of the facilities that have been tested and made Y2K ready include: 14 Health Protection Branch laboratories, four First Nations hospitals, 76 nursing stations, 419 health care facilities and 36 treatment centres.
In addition to its mission-critical functions, one of Health Canada's major responsibilities is the regulation of medical devices, radiation-emitting devices and therapeutic drugs sold in Canada. This includes an on-going review of the Y2K compliance of these products.
Health Canada has contacted more than 2,000 manufacturers of medical devices and continues to be advised by them of the progress they are making towards achieving Y2K compliance. The Department has also taken steps, through licensing and inspection procedures, to address any potential Y2K impact on the safety and continuous supply of therapeutic drugs.
For more information on Health Canada's activities in addressing the Y2K challenge, the Department has launched the Year 2000 and Your Health Web site. It includes fact sheets on products the Department regulates as well as the Y2K medical devices database. The public can also call the Government of Canada's 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) public enquiry line for information on the federal government's Y2K activities.
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Media Inquiries
Derek Kent
Office of Allan Rock
(613) 957-1515
Jeffrey Pender
Health Canada
(613) 957-2988
Public Inquiries
(613) 957-2991
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