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A review of statutory medical examinations in Asian‐Pacific countries
Author(s) -
Wong Tze Wai,
Wong Andromeda H.S.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.20897
Subject(s) - medicine , statutory law , environmental health , family medicine , law , political science
Background Statutory medical examinations (SME) are practiced worldwide to promote workers' health. We reviewed SME legislation and enforcement in the rapidly industrializing Asia‐Pacific, compared these with laws in Europe and America, and identified areas for further development. Methods Information on SME in 13 Asian‐Pacific countries was collected by a questionnaire survey of occupational health (OH) experts from each country, supplemented by a literature and Internet search. Results SME laws were diverse throughout the Asia‐Pacific, and were either selective or comprehensive, depending on the countries' legal systems. Common problems included manpower shortage, high costs and lack of awareness of SME. This resulted in poor compliance, which was broadly associated with the level of socio‐economic development. Conclusions Educating the public on OH issues would address compliance problems, as would the training and efficient deployment of OH professionals. The development of management systems and regional standards would encourage a harmonized approach towards SME. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:78–88, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.