The newly launched hotline is under the administration of the databank of donors of hematogenic cells, the former Chinese Marrow Bank.

Sources with the RCSC said that the databank aims to motivate more citizens to donate blood-making cells to save patients suffering from fatal blood diseases and those who need marrow transplantation.

There are now only 30,000 blood samples preserved in the databank, far less than the 100,000 samples internationally required to meet normal medical needs.

However, a series of measures, taken by RCSC and other departments, have helped to encourage more volunteers to donate hematogenic cells. The number of volunteer donors has increased to an unprecedented 60,000 within the past year.

The RCSC decided to open the new hotline to answer questions asked by an increasing number of interested donors.

The round-the-clock hotline, whose number is 96111058, can receive and send faxed application forms automatically and provide any necessary professional information on relevant issues.

(Xinhua News Agency November 14, 2001)