China Mobile has donated 400 solar-powered mobile phones and set up a telecommunications reporting system for public health emergencies in the areas affected by the devastating May 12 earthquake centered in southwest China.

The phones, along with free SIM cards and recharge cards, have been distributed in villages and townships throughout the quake zone since May 22.

The mobile-phone-based disease-reporting network was launched on May 24 in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province.

The Ministry of Health requested China Mobile’s assistance after the normal national disease-reporting network was disrupted when the earthquake severed communications cables

Mobile phones are needed for direct public health reports from villages and towns in areas like Dujiangyan, Pengzhou and Chongzhou. The Chengdu branch of China Mobile has sent staff to these areas to monitor the network links to Chengdu CDC and ensure they are maintained.

The Chengdu branch also offered to send free text messages to the public regarding sanitation and disease control.

As many people lost their phones in the earthquake, China Mobile has allocated 300,000 mobile phones to six worst-hit areas. Anyone who pays RMB 160 in prepaid credit can get a phone for free.

China Mobile has also sent 300,000 phone chargers to its service centers in the quake zone, to be given to the needy.

Although phone charging services are available at temporary settlements, more chargers are still needed as queues are building up while people wait to get their phones charged, said local staff.

Meanwhile, the Sichuan branch has simplified registration procedures of obtaining free phones and free chargers from service centers to help those who have lost their ID cards. Staff will also visit communities to assist with registration.

Relative News