China has begun a national strategic R&D program on the prevention of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which includes high-tech research on epidemiology, medicine and epidemic prevention.

An official from the Ministry of Science and Technology said that due to the great need for SARS prevention, China has listed the research on SARS in the national high-tech research program named "Program 863."

All these research programs are underway as planned, and the one dealing with preventive equipment in particular has made certain progress, said the official.

The programs include the development of biological exposure suits, surgical masks, medical headpieces, isolated cabins for transporting SARS patients, and special ambulances against epidemic spread, said the official.

The first phase of development of these five kinds of equipment has been completed, and all the designs are ready for production.

In addition, the first set of equipment will be used in three hospitals in Beijing, including a military hospital, for clinical trial soon.

China launched "Program 863" in 1987. It mainly involves science and technology related to the growth of the national economy and overall national strength.

(Xinhua News Agency May 14, 2003)