'Sufferers of work-related illnesses need free drugs'

Victims of occupational diseases should have access to free medication, just like AIDS sufferers, according to a report released in Beijing on Wednesday.

"The situation is urgent," said Huang Leping, director of Beijing Yilian Legal Aid and Study Center of Labor, in a speech calling for concrete work to aid those struggling with work-related conditions. "It's gradually becoming a consensus shared by the government and the public that there should be more adequate regulations to safeguard the workers."

An estimated 200 million people are afflicted with occupational diseases nationwide. However, most cannot be cured and are condemned to a lifetime of pain, said Huang, who added: "We suggest authorities treat victims the same as AIDS sufferers and provide them with free medication."