The 22-member fourth batch of healthcare professionals left for southwest China's earthquake-devastated Sichuan Province Friday to support the medical rescue operation in Chengdu, the Hospital Authority of Hong Kong said.

The team includes doctors and nurses in Orthopedic and Traumatology and Anesthesiology, two physiotherapists and six nurses from an operating theater unit and central sterile supplies department.

They will join the medical team led by Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital Chief of Service (Accident and Emergency) Lau Chor-chiu upon their arrival. There are 43 healthcare professionals providing medical support services in West China Hospital, West China Second Hospital and Chengdu Children's Hospital in Chengdu.

Hong Kong had offered a record amount of resources in the aftermath of the earthquake that occurred in Sichuan on May 12. The HKSAR government dispatched rescue teams comprising of firefighters, medical staffs and flying service staff to provide assistance in the rescue and relief efforts in Chinese mainland's quake-hit areas.

Since the May 12 earthquake, the Immigration Department of HKSAR government has received 126 calls for assistance and 466 inquiries. Of the requests, 101 related to Hong Kong people losing contact with their families, including two Hong Kong men still missing up to Friday.

(Xinhua News Agency May 23, 2008)