About 10,000 cards were distributed free to construction workers
in Beijing on Thursday giving them access to a nationwide emergency
rescue and assistance network that is gradually taking shape.
"Dial the hotline 010-66099999, you'll get in touch with the
national emergency rescue and assistance center and receive timely
and effective help," said head of the emergency assistance
promotion center under China's Ministry of Civil Affairs in Beijing
Thursday.
He said the network, not yet fully established, was supported by
a call center, an air transport system, a nationwide network of
hospitals and major insurance organizations.
"Much progress has been made in the establishment of the
system," said the official. "We may see China officially establish
its own SOS system in several months to come," he added.
According to the official card holders would be entitled to
receive timely rescue or assistance without providing any
guaranteed funding.
Among recipients of the first 10,000 cards, issued at a music
and dance performance entitled "Establishing An Emergency Rescue
and Assistance System to Promote Social Harmony," were migrant
rural laborers working on projects related to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
(Xinhua News Agency October 27, 2006)