Struggling China couple, already have 2 girls, welcome quadruplets, criticised for donation plea
Story of poorly paid couple who cannot pay US$28,000 medical bill or support 6 children attracts 10 million views online
A couple in southern China who recently welcomed the birth of quadruplets, adding to their two daughters, received harsh criticism when they appealed for financial help.
The wife, surnamed Li, gave birth to four baby girls on August 23 at Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital in Guangdong province, the local television station reported.
She and her husband, surnamed Chen, already have two daughters. The quadruplets were sent to intensive care because they were born a month early.
Doctors said they would need to stay there for at least a month, which would cost about 200,000 yuan (US$28,000).
According to the father, the couple must pay immediately, then after the babies are discharged from the hospital he can apply for a reimbursement from the social security authority in his hometown.
It is expected that the authority will cover 80 per cent of the medical bill.