A rehabilitation workroom for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was established at the Shibei Rehabilitation Hospital in Gangzha district, Nantong on June 19. It is the first of its kind in the city.

ALS is listed among the five major incurable diseases by the World Health Organization. The number of ALS patients in China is estimated to be at least 200,000.

Last June, an alliance to help people suffering from ALS was set up in the district. Nearly 10 activities have been held, and 15 poor households with ALS patients have received donations over the past year. 

Local ALS patients will be offered free medical treatment and rehabilitation training with the help of the workroom. More professional support and care will be available to the patients, said Zhang Xiuhua, chief expert of the workroom and a doctor at the rehabilitation hospital.

"I hope the workroom can provide support to more ALS patients, and effective treatment methods can be developed to help us overcome the disease," said a message typed by Ge Min, known as Nantong's Helen Keller.

The unveiling ceremony of a rehabilitation workroom for people suffering from ALS is held at the Shibei Rehabilitation Hospital in Gangzha district, Nantong on June 19. [Photo/WeChat account: ntgzsd]