Some 30,000 handicapped orphans will receive surgery to heal their disabilities with a program aimed to help these unfortunate children, according to Li Liguo, Vice-Minister of Civil Affairs.

At a recent national meeting which launched the program called "For Handicapped Orphans' Tomorrow: Restore Health Through Surgery", Li said that 600 million yuan (US$720,000) will be raised from 2004 to 2006 by the state and local governments to provide surgeries to 28,000, or 30,000 if possible, orphans adopted by welfare institutions.

The funds will be raised through public welfare funds of lottery issuance, local financing and social donations.

Statistics from the Civil Affairs Ministry show that by the end of 2003, 27,057 out of 54,522 orphans adopted by welfare institutions were handicapped, among which, 14,347 children can be treated through surgery.

It is estimated that 13,500 more handicapped orphans will be adopted by welfare institutions during the coming three years, the ministry said.

(Xinhua News Agency May 30, 2004)