A local hospital in east China began this week to offer check-ups at discounted prices to tens of thousands of masseuses, many of whom are involved in the sex trade.

It is the first time a hospital has provided an overall gynecological examination specifically for masseuses in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu Province, said Xu Fu, vice president of Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Hospital.

The idea to offer the special service was triggered by the "worrisome" medical exam results of 14 masseuses who had check-ups at the hospital together the other day, Xu said.

"All of them had gynecological diseases and one even had syphilis," said Xu. "They are so young, but many of them have had abortions repeatedly. We're concerned about their health and decide to offer them a special service."

The exam costs 69 yuan (8.7 U.S dollars) and is available Monday to Friday. The hospital has also set up a hotline 1688-8666 for consultation.

While the hospital received many calls to its hotline no one came for the examination a day after it was publicized, Xu said.

"I won't go there. I have no time and it's not necessary. I'll take care of myself," said a masseuse without giving her name.

"I'll go. It's cheap. But I won't use my real name." said another masseuse speaking on condition of anonymity.

Tens of thousands of masseuses work in more than 3,000 foot massage centers, 2,600 sauna bars and numerous bath houses in Nanjing, according to Nanjing Morning Post.

A sociology professor with Nanjing University, who also would not comment on the record, said the health exam for the masseuses is a business opportunity for the hospital.

A survey conducted in late 2004 by Guangdong Provincial Center for Skin and Venereal Disease Control and Prevention showed that more than 70 percent of the 724 masseuses surveyed had made money in the sex trade in the past three months. More than 24 percent had venereal diseases and one had contracted HIV. .

Source: Xinhua