24 mln Chinese with limb disabilities need rehab services

Some 24.12 million people who have lost their limbs or have limb problems should resort to rehabilitation services, according to the China Rehabilitation Research Center.

The figure was revealed Friday at a launch ceremony for a charity program in which Samsung promised to donate 50 million yuan (8 million U.S. dollars) over the next five years to support projects and treatments by the Department of Prosthesis Manufacture under the center.

The department is responsible for the research, development and assembly of prosthetics and orthotics for disabled people. It has so far developed more than 140 kinds of prosthetic products for rehabilitation purposes and equipped some 12,000 pieces for disabled people.

According to an unnamed official with the department, China has some 70 million people above the age of 60 in need of rehabilitation services in addition to the disabled, and the fund will enable the center to relieve rising demand.

Last month, Vice Minister of Health Ma Xiaowei said the country will create more rehabilitation service providers by encouraging qualified county, district and city hospitals to convert their facilities into rehabilitation centers.

China will also encourage private capital to enter the sector, leveling the playing field for private rehabilitation clinics in terms of market access and government regulation, Ma said.