Pyongyang, December 7 (KCNA) -- The Government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea pays deep care to the disabled to improve their living conditions, said Kim Mun Chol, vice-chairman of the C.C., the Korean Federation for the Protection of the Disabled.

Speaking to KCNA on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3), he said:

The government has done a lot of work for helping them recover their mental and physical function and raising their status in society.

Their sanatoriums have been reconstructed or facelifted and hospitals reinforced with up-to-date medical apparatuses for them.

The government has increased investment in producing quality prosthetic appliances and upgrading educational facilities for the disabled.

It also pays deep concern to their sports and cultural activities.

Some days ago, a table-tennis tournament was held in Pyongyang Indoor Stadium between some 70 disabled people and other citizens.

The tournament served as an important occasion in raising public concern for the disabled.

The federation plans to operate training courses of skilled workers to help them enjoy their working life.