The Ministry of Health said on Thursday that 1,041 infants around China were still receiving hospital treatment for kidney damage caused by tainted powdered milk.

One was in serious condition, the ministry said.

The number of hospitalized infants dropped by more than half from three weeks ago, when the figure stood at 2,300.

Another 50,741 infants have recovered and been discharged since mid-September, when a scandal erupted over milk containing a chemical, melamine.

More than 4,500 medical institutions nationwide offered free exams and treatment to affected children.

(Xinhua News Agency November 20, 2008)