The charity medical service program was launched by the Yichang Charity Federation across its districts and counties on May 1, to provide medical assistance to patients with severe illness and in financial difficulties. Eligible patients can receive up to 5,000 yuan in financial assistance by submitting their applications, which can offset their out-of-pocket medical expenses in the hospital, medication-related costs at the pharmacy, or basic living needs.

　　Local charities will be available for eligible patients in the whole process of applying for charitable aid, according to authorities from the Yichang Charity Federation. (Reporter/Shi Gang, Correspondent/Zhu Dongmei)