Donations pour in for Chinese keeping hospitalised wife alive

Beijing, July 16 (IANS) A Chinese man who avoided paying medical bills to keep his wife alive has evoked an emotional response among netizens who have donated over 330,000 yuan (about $52,000) so far since learning about his dire economic condition.

Liao Dan's wife was diagnosed with kidney failure five years ago. She needs dialysis twice a week, costing 420 yuan for each treatment, Shanghai Daily reported.

Having spent his life's entire earnings to keep his wife alive, Liao faked a total of 49 Beijing Hospital invoices from 2007 to September 2011 to avoid paying for his wife's dialysis fees of nearly 170,000 yuan.

According to Beijing Times, Fan Wei, a media personality, and Xue Manzi, an investor, launched the donation drive on Weibo for Liao. Nearly 3,900 netizens have contributed to the drive so far.

Liao, 40, was accused of using forged Beijing Hospital charge notes. A few days ago during his trial, Liao confessed finding someone to forge the hospital's charge seal after failing to afford his wife's dialysis treatment any more.

Explaining his reasons, Liao said he just wished to "keep his wife alive for a while" and he did it after being left with no other choice.

As the prosecutor suggested Liao be sentenced to three to 10 years in prison, the latter said he had no problem with the sentence recommendation.

The judge told Liao that he could return home and take care of his wife. But he must promise to return to court when summoned.