Beijing had reported 183 SARS-related deaths till June 6, resulting in a mortality rate of seven percent, said Han Demin, executive deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Health Bureau.

The average global mortality rate of the highly contagious disease is currently 13 percent, according to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The relatively low rate in Beijing is a result of intensified efforts at treating SARS patients in critical condition, said Han, adding that from now on, Beijing will give top priority to these efforts.

By May 7, Beijing had moved all severe SARS patients to three designated SARS hospitals, including the You'an Hospital.

Two local hospitals equipped with 80-bed ICUs were added to treat those in critical condition, said Han.

The ICUs of the two hospitals, namely the Xuanwu Hospital and the Sino-Japanese Friendship Hospital, are among the best in China,said Han, adding that they are crucial to saving lives and maintaining a low mortality rate.

Currently, 47 SARS patients in critical condition are receiving treatment in the two hospitals. Ten of them are extremely critical.

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