The plan is part of a three-year project by the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

From 2004 to December 2006, the ministry will try to raise 600 million yuan (72.3 million US dollars) for the operation expenses.

About 30,000 orphans, newborn to 18-year-olds, are expected to benefit from this plan.

In Yunnan alone, 5,311 handicapped orphans will receive operations and the money will come from the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the provincial financial department and the public welfare funds provided by lottery sales services, said Gao Zuxing, the provincial civil affairs chief.

As a major underdeveloped province of the country, Yunnan has about 1.2 million poor families. Children and the people living in the mountainous areas greatly need improved healthcare.

Latest statistics from the provincial civil affairs department showed that by the end of June, 4,061 orphans and abandoned children live in the region's welfare homes, 2,334 of whom suffer from physical disabilities.

In total, Yunnan plans to provide free operations for some 40,531 disabled children from poor families.

(Xinhua News Agency August 24, 2004)