The partnership between the Li Ka Shing Foundation and the China Disabled Persons’ Federation began in the 1980s. The Foundation has donated over RMB $330 million to provide long-term support and services for over ten million disabled persons in mainland China.
1. How many people did the China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF) help in the Sichuan earthquake?
Approximately 3,000 amputees have benefited from the program, receiving free wheelchairs, artificial limbs, and prosthetics services. In principle, all amputees who are suitable to receive an artificial limb have already been served. Many younger victims are undergoing a second fitting or replacement.
This free prosthetics services program supported by the Foundation and operated by the CDPF is the largest, longest-running, and most impactful of the earthquake relief programs, and also the one that is most capable of meeting the victims’ needs.
2. Are any amputees still in need of an artificial limb?
Although 3,000 amputees have received an artificial limb, some have had to undergo a second or third operation, and must wait for the wounds to heal before a prosthetic can be attached. Some amputees with muscular dystrophy may need adjustments to their attachment or to have an old one replaced. Project operators will provide a suitable wheelchair for those amputees who are not able to have an artificial limb attached.
3. How does CDPF support the victims?
Through the Free Wheelchairs and Prosthetics Program, the CDPF is coordinating efforts to provide earthquake amputees with free wheelchairs, prosthetics, and prosthetics services, and ensuring that the victims receive quality care and rehabilitation services.
Artificial limbs supplied through this program were made from imported materials to ensure better quality. This program has played a lead role in inspiring other organizations to make contributions to help purchase rehabilitation equipment and provide rehabilitation services.
4. How is the Free Wheelchairs and Prosthetics Program being operated?
The Li Ka Shing Foundation and the CDPF have a long-standing relationship. The Cheung Kong New Milestone Program was launched some 10 years ago, and has since provided 170,000 amputees with artificial limbs, and established 180 prosthetics installation centers, six of which are located throughout the Sichuan Province. Professional technicians from these established centers in Sichuan are helping the local residents, with participation from technicians stationed outside of Sichuan. The Cheung Kong New Milestone Program’s prosthetics attachment centers located outside the Sichuan Province are also receiving victims of the Sichuan quake.
5. What was the CDPF’s operating budget over the past year?
Over the past year, the CDPF have been offering amputees the prosthetics services that they require. Owing to their growing bodies, some young victims need to have their previously attached prosthetics adjusted or replaced. The training of prosthetics technicians and the rebuilding of installation centers damaged by the quake are also ongoing. A final figure on how much of the Foundation’s donation has been used has not yet been confirmed as the funds are still being utilized.
6. Does the CDPF offer any related services?
CDPF provides earthquake amputees with accessible, proficient, long-term rehabilitation services. In the worst-hit areas of Sichuan, the CDPF has been offering rehabilitation equipment as well as the services of its therapists and technicians to help victims on the road to recovery.
