A signing ceremony between Rugao Boai Hospital and the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University is held in Rugao, Nantong on Oct 18. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

Rugao Boai Hospital and the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University signed an agreement on Oct 18 to establish partnerships in medical treatment, research and talent training.

According to the agreement, the Rugao hospital will serve as a branch of the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University. Nantong University will also set up a postgraduate program in the Rugao hospital.

"The partnership will integrate high-quality medical resources and offer better medical services to the locals," said Gao Jianlin, vice-president of Nantong University and Party secretary of the affiliated hospital.

Gao added that the postgraduate program will provide opportunities to young doctors at the Rugao hospital to pursue higher education, hence improving the overall quality of hospital staff.

The Rugao hospital is a subsidiary of Jiangsu Huayida Health Service Co, which currently operates four hospitals, eight nursing centers and 10 community-based elderly care centers.

The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University boasts a history of 109 years. It was among the first hospitals to be awarded the 3A classification by the then Ministry of Health in 1994.