We’re not ready for SARS outbreak, warn doctors
They have also accused Minister Micheál Martin of failing to take their strike seriously, after his failure to respond to this weekend's offer of talks at the Labour Relations Commission.
The worsening of the row comes after China admitted the true number of SARS cases there was 10 times that previously reported, and cancelled the May Bank Holiday to prevent the mass movement of people, which could spread the disease.
A Department of Health spokesman insisted yesterday all necessary precautions were in place despite the strike, and emphasised that there were no new cases or suspected cases of SARS in this country.
But Dr Joe Barry, the incoming president of the Irish Medical Organisation and chairman of the IMO Public Health Committee, said he was sceptical of claims that a specially set-up incident room in the department was properly monitoring developments.
"The department says GPs and hospitals have been circulated with emergency procedures and contact numbers in the event of a suspected case, but we know from our members this is not true," he said.
"Public health doctors are the key link in responding to any public health crisis, and I don't believe there is anything in place that can properly compensate for their absence."
Mr Martin has just three days left to resolve the week-long dispute before he addresses the IMO annual general meeting in Killarney on Friday. His spokesman said a formal response to the offer of talks would be made this week.
Dr Barry said the minister would be told in no uncertain terms on Friday that the success of his pet projects such as a crackdown on cigarettes, and healthy heart and alcohol awareness programmes depended on the co-operation of public health doctors.
"We are very disappointed with his attitude so far. This is either a serious matter or it's not. We have been on standby to go to talks all weekend and we haven't heard a peep," he said.
The department's expert group on SARS is to meet today to consider the implications of SARS for the Special Olympics.
Labour's spokesperson on health, Deputy Liz McManus, has criticised the department for failing to respond to requests for advice by the organising committee in her hometown of Bray, which is to host the Chinese delegation.
Arklow, which is hosting Singapore, and Clonmel, hosts to Hong Kong both of which no-go areas according to departmental advice are also waiting to hear if they need to alter arrangements for their guests.
