The Hubei chapter of the Red Cross Society of China has come under strong criticism from the public for allegedly failing to make the best use of the donations of medical supplies that have poured in from across China. In the midst of the current coronavirus outbreak in Hubei province, local hospitals are struggling to come across sufficient medical supplies. Controversy was sparked by a recent report stating that, out of the two million masks donated from across the country, only around 200,000 have actually been delivered to the hospitals. Furthermore, another report from the respected outlet Caixin claimed that the huge local warehouse of the Red Cross was filled with donated medical supplies, but only a very small number of people were shifting through them for distribution, and most of the supplies were not getting used.
The Hubei Red Cross has apologized on its Weibo account for these mishaps, and expressed its deep regrets. This has proved to be insufficient to quell the misgivings of the public, and it appears that many private donors have chosen to vehicle their donations through other channels. One of the most popular choices has been the Han Hong Love and Charity Foundation (韩红爱心慈善基金会), set up by famous folk singer Han Hong. On the 31st of January, the fund announced that it would cease to accept new donations, since its capacity to accept and process them had reached its limit; by the 31st of January, it had already raised more than 140 million Yuan to buy medical supplies for Wuhan and the surrounding cities.
