The partnership between Fujian province in East China and the Ningxia Hui autonomous region in Northwest China has spanned 30 years, witnessing changes from basic poverty relief to high-quality developmental initiatives.
The remarkable healthcare transformation taking place in Yuanzhou district of Guyuan city, Ningxia, is a testament to the long-term Fujian-Ningxia partnership. Shan Xiaorong, deputy director of the Neurosurgery Department at Yuanzhou District People's Hospital, has witnessed such changes.
With more than 20 years dedicated to surgery, Shan specializes in minimally invasive procedures for brain hemorrhages and spinal conditions. His commitment to advancing medical care in this underserved region is deeply intertwined with the collaborative efforts between Ningxia and Fujian, which have been pivotal in providing him and his team with access to cutting-edge medical training and expertise.
In 2018, Shan traveled to Fujian Medical University Union Hospital to study advanced microinvasive techniques for the spine and spinal cord within the framework of the Fujian-Ningxia partnership. This training empowered his department to independently perform over 200 complex surgeries annually, significantly reducing patient recovery times and medical costs.
In 2023, Shan returned to Fujian to further specialize in cerebrovascular interventional surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University. This training focused on techniques such as intracranial aneurysm embolization and stent placement for arterial stenosis. This experience marked a qualitative leap in his diagnostic and surgical skills, underscoring the profound impact of the Fujian-Ningxia partnership, Shan said.
Shan Xiaorong (R2) performs surgical treatment for a patient. [Photo/Ningxia Daily]
The collaboration extends beyond training, fostering a sustainable "blood-making" support model. Since 2016, numerous medical experts from Fujian have traveled to Yuanzhou, embedding themselves in local hospitals to provide hands-on training and mentorship. "This has cultivated a resilient local medical team, capable of tackling complex medical challenges with increasing confidence," Shan said.
The results are transformative. Shan's hospital has achieved several breakthroughs in high-difficulty surgeries, offering renewed hope to many critically ill patients. A notable case, Shan said, involved a 56-year-old patient with acute lower limb arterial occlusion, at risk of amputation. Thanks to the expertise of medical experts from Fujian, the patient's limb was saved, alleviating years of pain and suffering, he said.
Moreover, the collaboration has transformed emergency response systems in the region. Previously, acute brain hemorrhage patients faced lengthy and cumbersome processes to receive treatment. Now, with optimized emergency protocols and preoperative preparations, critical patients can reach the operating room within 30 minutes, drastically reducing treatment time and improving the results, according to Shan.
Shan said that Fujian medical experts have become deeply integrated into the Yuanzhou healthcare community, responding to emergency calls and working tirelessly to save lives. Even after their official support period ends, they remain committed and often return from Fujian when needed, he said.
The partnership has also embraced modern technology, with remote consultations becoming a staple of the collaboration. "Through digital platforms, local doctors can share patient data and receive real-time guidance from Fujian experts, ensuring that even the most complex cases receive experts' attention," Shan said.
This digital collaboration has created a continuous learning environment, enabling local medical professionals to stay abreast of the latest advancements in medical science, he added.
This enduring partnership, characterized by its comprehensive and selfless approach, has not only elevated medical expertise in Yuanzhou but has also forged a deep bond between the regions. It ensures that the people of this mountainous area receive the healthcare they deserve, overcoming diagnostic and treatment barriers through advanced medical techniques and compassionate care.