Extending Compassion Across Borders: Shanghai General Hospital Sends Off New Medical Team Member to Morocco

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/dm5Z3smWtfbngzfdLX2yPA

On October 24, Qin Jun, an attending physician in the Breast and Thyroid Surgery Division of the General Surgery Center at Shanghai General Hospital, departed for Errachidia, Morocco, as a member of China’s 199th medical team to Morocco. He will undertake a two-year medical assistance mission, continuing China’s longstanding commitment to international medical cooperation. Fan Xiaohong, Secretary of the Hospital Party Committee; Xia Wei, Director of the Organization Department; and representatives from Qin’s department and Party branch saw him off at the airport.

Earlier, on the morning of October 21, Shanghai General Hospital held a farewell ceremony for Qin ahead of his departure. Attendees included Fan Xiaohong, Party Secretary; Zheng Xingdong, Deputy Party Secretary and President of the hospital; Song Guoming, Deputy Party Secretary and Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission; heads of relevant administrative departments, clinical departments and Party branches; and Qin’s family members. The ceremony was chaired by Xia Wei, Director of the Organization Department.

In her remarks, Fan Xiaohong emphasized that China’s medical assistance to Morocco represents a major national policy initiative and an important responsibility undertaken by Shanghai. This year marks the 51st anniversary of Shanghai’s medical assistance program in Morocco. Since Shanghai General Hospital first undertook medical assistance assignments to Morocco in 1981, the hospital has dispatched more than 60 medical professionals to various locations across the country, including Settat, Taza, Chefchaouen and Errachidia. Qin’s assignment marks the hospital’s first deployment of a medical team member to Errachidia in 38 years, giving the mission particular significance.

Fan outlined four expectations for Qin. First, he should remain mindful of the mission entrusted to him, respect local customs and traditions, and serve as an ambassador of friendship between China and Morocco. Second, he should draw on his professional expertise to deliver effective medical assistance, meet the challenges of complex clinical practice and contribute to local capacity-building through targeted training and knowledge transfer. Third, he should maintain a strong awareness of national security, uphold safety requirements and ensure the mission proceeds safely and smoothly. Fourth, he should make the most of this valuable opportunity for professional development, continue learning and pursue innovation. Fan also reaffirmed that the hospital’s Party Committee and relevant departments would continue to provide comprehensive support for Qin and his family throughout the assignment.

Zheng Xingdong encouraged Qin to approach his mission with a strong sense of purpose and responsibility, highlighting five key principles. The first is to recognize the honor of serving on a national medical assistance mission organized by China and Shanghai. The second is to understand the responsibility involved: as a representative of China, Shanghai, the hospital and the medical profession, Qin should strive to become a trusted physician for local patients, a dedicated mentor to local medical colleagues and a committed teammate that works closely with fellow team members, serving as an ambassador for Shanghai and Shanghai General Hospital. The third is to demonstrate dedication and a spirit of service. Undertaking a two-year assignment overseas requires personal sacrifice and a willingness to put the broader mission first, qualities worthy of respect and emulation by the hospital community. The fourth is to draw strength from the hospital’s longstanding experience and established practices in medical assistance to Morocco, knowing that the institution will remain a strong and dependable source of support. The fifth is to maintain a firm commitment to safety and discipline, comply with all applicable rules and regulations, conduct international engagements appropriately, and protect his personal safety while serving abroad.

Song Guoming outlined three further expectations. Qin should uphold the hospital’s fine traditions by bringing both clinical expertise and professional integrity to the host community and safeguarding the hospital’s reputation. He should also give equal priority to personal safety and patient safety, maintaining rigorous standards of clinical quality throughout all medical activities. Finally, he must strictly observe political, diplomatic and professional discipline, safeguard national interests, respect local customs and work in close coordination with fellow team members.

At the ceremony, Qin pledged to uphold the spirit of China’s medical assistance teams and adhere to the values and motto of Shanghai General Hospital. He committed to completing his overseas assignment safely and effectively, living up to the trust placed in him and fulfilling his mission with dedication. His family expressed the family’s commitment to taking on household responsibilities and providing Qin with steadfast support throughout his time abroad. Representatives from his clinical department and Party branch commended his solid professional capabilities and strong sense of responsibility, pledging continued support from the home institution. Representatives of relevant administrative departments also outlined measures to support Qin during his assignment, covering performance-related arrangements, trade union services, organizational liaison, communications and publicity, and personnel policies. These coordinated efforts are intended to address practical concerns and ensure that he can focus on delivering medical care and fulfilling his responsibilities in Morocco.

Qin’s mission carries significance beyond the provision of high-quality medical care. As he travels to North Africa, he will also help strengthen the longstanding bonds of friendship between China and Morocco, built over more than half a century of medical cooperation. His assignment continues the inspiring tradition of solidarity across borders and compassionate service to those in need.

Shanghai General Hospital will remain closely engaged with Qin’s professional and personal well-being throughout his two-year mission, providing comprehensive support to help him complete his assignment successfully and contribute to the continued development of China-Morocco medical cooperation.