International SOS survey looks at state of US firms' pandemic planning

While 91 percent of large corporations consider organizational preparedness for Avian ‘Flu "important, very important or critical," only 26 percent of firms have begun to implement a pandemic preparedness plan and just one percent have completed a plan, according to a recent survey of 200 Fortune 500 companies and other large organizations conducted by travel and medical assistance provider International SOS.

Pandemic preparedness plans enable companies to mitigate the risks associated with the outbreak of disease, according to Dr. Myles Druckman, vice president of medical assistance for International SOS. "A solid pandemic preparedness plan is critical for organizations to be able to effectively medically manage their employees and travelers, especially in less developed countries. Any business continuity plan needs to address the issue of pandemic," said Dr. Druckman said.

Other highlights of the International SOS survey include:

* 72 percent of organizations are "investigating options" for implementing a pandemic preparedness plan. 26 percent have "begun to implement" a plan. One percent has "completed" their plan. Two percent said they "do not believe a pandemic will be an issue."

* Organizations were asked to identify which of the following measures they are currently implementing, selecting all measures that apply.

Responses:

- Employee training: 53 percent
- Travel restrictions: 17 percent
- Stockpiling antiviral drugs: 6 percent
- None: 43 percent

* Organizations were asked to identify which of the following measures they are considering implementing, selecting all measures that apply.

Responses:

- Employee training: 87 percent
- Travel restrictions: 74 percent
- Stockpiling antiviral drugs: 28 percent
- None: 8 percent

http://www.internationalsos.com/members_home/pandemicpreparedness/

•Date: 13th Dec 2005 • Region: US / World • Type: Article •Topic: BC statistics
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