(September 24, 2007) The Hainan Provincial Government today announced a contribution of RMB 20 million from the Li Ka Shing Foundation to establish rural health clinics and create a base for the training of medical professionals. The scheme will raise the standard of rural health care while lowering the cost of such services for impoverished rural residents.

This project was jointly initiated by Secretary of Hainan Provincial Committee Mr. Wei Liuzheng and Mr. Li Ka-shing. The Li Ka Shing Foundation and the Hainan Provincial Government will each contribute RMB 20 million for a total budget of RMB 40 million. The scheme covers 18 municipalities and 100 villages, benefiting nearly 3 million grass roots residents.

The objectives of this program are to construct 100 rural health clinics, train 1,000 medical professionals, 100 directors of the clinics and 100 core clinic staff, support 1,000 village health clinics, fund a health survey for 10,000 rural residents, and reward 100 rural health care professionals for outstanding services.

The implementation of this program in Hainan Province establishes a new model of sustainable medical practice for rural residents, develops a team of high-quality health care professionals, and realizes the Hainan Provincial Government's goal of establishing a clinic in every village. The scheme will ensure that every patient receives proper medical services in a professional setting.

Through the establishment of this new model and the building of an efficient and effective system for medical welfare in impoverished remote regions, this program ensures the successful development of rural medical practices and contributes towards social harmony.

Guests attending today's ceremony included Mr. Wei, Mr. Lin Fanglue, Vice Governor of Hainan, and Dr. Katherine Lo and Professor Li Yuguang of the Li Ka Shing Foundation.

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