Marsh Risk Consulting (MRC) is conducting a major survey to benchmark the ability of organizations to respond to the threat of a pandemic that originates in, or spreads to, China.

The survey is a response to a growing concern among health care professionals that corporations and governments may underestimate the potential impact of future pandemic events and find themselves under-prepared — after last  year's H1N1 influenza pandemic turned out to be less severe than expected.

Organizations can use the survey results to glean how recent events have influenced preparedness levels, activities, and assumptions about pandemics from around the world, specifically among multinational companies with business in China.

Marsh will publish a comprehensive report based on the survey findings at the end of June. All survey participants will receive a complimentary copy of the report and a white paper on pandemic preparedness best practices.