Tianshui launches long-term lead poisoning support plan

Authorities on Sunday unveiled a long-term support plan for the children found to have high levels of lead in their blood at a privately run kindergarten in Tianshui, Gansu province.

According to the plan released by the Tianshui government, the initiative will cover 251 children currently enrolled at the Peixin Kindergarten, 48 graduates from last year, and 29 staff members. They will receive sustained support for medical treatment, rehabilitation, education, and legal services.

To guide follow-up care, a team of experts from the national, provincial, and local levels has established a detailed rehabilitation protocol. Treatment will be free of charge at four designated local hospitals, though families may choose any other qualified medical institution for care at no cost, the plan said.

The support plan covers a wide range of costs, including registration fees, diagnostic tests, medication, treatment, transportation, meals, and accommodation. These costs will be drawn from a fund managed by the local education bureau.

On the education front, Peixin will be temporarily placed under the management of a State-owned kindergarten. Local authorities will oversee staff adjustments, facility upgrades, and teacher compensation to ensure a stable learning environment throughout the transition.

Legal assistance is also part of the response. A dedicated legal team will provide free consultations and ongoing support to families. Any costs initially covered by the fund will later be recovered from those found legally responsible for the incident.