Chinese Vice premier Wu Yi was present at a ceremony marking the start of free medical consultations in Guang'an County, hometown of late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping.

Wu Yi points out that the lack of medical supplies in the rural area is of great concern and it's necessary to continue the Lifeline Express Project.

The free medical consultation is part of the Lifeline Express Project, which started seven years ago thanks to the financial support of Hong Kong compatriots and has benefited over 40 thousand cataract patients in impoverished areas.

(CRI August 13, 2004)