Canadian Minister of Health announces information on the Scientific Advisory Panel on breast implants

Canadian Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh, has announced the details of the March 22 and 23 Scientific Advisory Panel on Breast Implants meeting, including the names of the panellists and the mandate of the Panel.

"There will be an opportunity for the public to provide input on breast implants and no regulatory decisions have been made at this point. My officials have been looking at several models over the last few weeks to determine how best to receive public input," the Minister said.

"My commitment to openness and transparency applies to all aspects of Health Canada's work. The Department is already moving in the direction of more public disclosure of information."

The Scientific Panel on Breast Implants was convened in Ottawa to address questions posed to it by Health Canada stemming from the Department's review of six licensing applications for silicone breast gel-filled implants from two manufacturers, Inamed Corporation and Mentor Corporation.

The mandate of the Scientific Advisory Panel is to provide scientific, medical and clinical advice on current and emerging issues related to safety and effectiveness of breast implants.