A member of South Korea's Central 119 Rescue Team takes a breather yesterday. In the background lies the remains of the dormitory of a chemical factory in the city of Shifang, Sichuan province.

Some are working as part of the relief team organized by the local Red Cross Society at the hardest hit counties including Wenchuan, while others are treating survivors at major hospitals in Chengdu.

"These city hospitals now have enough medics and materials," the official said.

Right now, an effective channel needs to be established between the local authorities and the foreign NGOs keen to help in order to assist those who need it the most, he said.

"If such a channel is in place, our relief efforts will be more effective," he said.

"We strongly appeal to the local government to dispatch us to the worst-hit areas to help the people there."

WHO Representative to China Hans Troedsson said that not all foreign medical volunteers are needed at the frontline.

"The local population almost always covers the immediate lifesaving needs. Only medical personnel with skills not available locally may be needed."

Vice-Minister of Health Gao Qiang told a press conference on disaster relief and rescue last week that Chinese authorities appreciate the eagerness shown by other countries to help and are willing to accept assistance.

"When we are in real need, we'll ask for help," he said.

(China Daily May 21, 2008)