The Social Welfare Department has received 21 applications, and granted seven, for public subscription permits to raise funds for the Mainland earthquake victims.

The department will process applications as quickly as possible and issue permits to organisations meeting fund-raising requirements.

Any organisation planning to hold activities involving money collection or sale or exchange for donations of badges, tokens or similar articles in a public place for charitable purposes must apply for a permit. Click here for more information.

If there is any doubt regarding the fund-raising activities call 2343 2255 or 2832 4311 for enquiries during office hours.

Hospital experts go to Chengdu

The Hospital Authority today said an initial assessment team led by Chief Manager (Infection, Emergency & Contingency) Dr Liu Shao-haei will depart for Chengdu, Sichuan tomorrow.

They will make preparation for the deployment of a volunteer medical team to help handle the casualties of the earthquake, in particular at West China Hospital.

The team will assess the hospital's needs and assess the situation. A medical team is also getting prepared and will be dispatched when needed.