China's Ministry of Health says up to 40 babies remain in critical condition across the country, after suffering from kidney stones caused by contaminated milk powder. Fewer babies are being taken to hospital to be diagnosed. 

China's Ministry of Health says up to 40 babies remain in critical condition across the country, after suffering from kidney stones caused by contaminated milk powder. [CCTV]

At the Beijing Children's Hospital, the majority of babies hospitalized have been cured after medical treatment. The number of infants being taken to hospital to check if they have been affected has declined to 1,000 per day. The hospital will continue normal operations during the National Day holiday to ensure babies receive immediate treatment.

Only about 40 babies suffering kidney stones remain in hospital for medical treatment in the capital.

China has dispatched more than 1,000 medical teams nationwide to carry out checkups on babies who consumed the tainted milk powder, to ensure that affected infants are treated in a timely manner.

Thousands of medical institutions have participated in the diagnosis and treatment of babies.

Chen Zhu, Minister of Health, said, "Since the Sanlu milk powder scandal, the Health Ministry has launched free treatment nationwide for infants with possible kidney stones. Now, no more than 40 babies are in a critical condition. No more deaths of infants with kidney stones has been reported."

Only about 40 babies suffering kidney stones remain in hospital for medical treatment in the capital. [CCTV]

Meanwhile, authorities from Shijiazhuang municipal government apologized again to the public on Tuesday for Sanlu Group's contaminated milk power.

Wang Jiaguo, Vice spokesman, Shijiazhuang Municipal Government, said, "We are responsible for the Sanlu food safety scandal. We feel guilty and distressed. We want to express our deep apologies to all affected babies and their parents."

Medical experts say there is only a small possibility that adults will suffer kidney stones after drinking milk powder contaminated with melamine.

Autumn is the high season for intestinal diseases. Experts have reminded sick infants' parents to keep up to date with the guidelines of local governments and medical institutions.

(CCTV October 1, 2008)