On the afternoon of April 3, 2023, Peking University People's Hospital (PKUPH) held a farewell symposium for the "International Brightness Journey" medical team who will assist Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. The medical team is composed of seven members, including Professor Bao Yongzhen from the Department of Ophthalmology, chief physician Hou Xianru, chief physician Cao Xiaoguang, attending physician Meng Qingyu, nurse-in-charge Mei Ningjing, nurse Gao Wenjie from the Anesthesia Department, and technician Li Yi from the Medical Equipment Department.

　　In July 2022, during State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Uzbekistan upon invitation, a consensus was reached between the leaders of China and Uzbekistan: "The two sides will strengthen medical and health cooperation, and China will continue to do good and practical things for Uzbek people. China will carry out the 'Healthy Express International Brightness Journey' in Uzbekistan, and will provide free cataract surgeries for another 500 Uzbek patients and set up a cooperation center for blindness prevention in Uzbekistan.” In September 2022, at the 22nd meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), President Xi Jinping announced the implementation of 2,000 free cataract surgeries for the people of SCO countries in the next three years. In order to fulfill President Xi's commitments and strengthen cooperation in the field of health, the International Exchange and Cooperation Center of the National Health Commission has selected a medical expert group from PKUPH to carry out the "Health Express International Brightness Journey" program in Bukhara and Samarkand, Uzbekistan, whose plan is to provide free cataract surgery for 500 local cataract patients and also establish China- Uzbekistan Blindness Prevention Cooperation Center. PKUPH is the first and only hospital in this program.

　　The "International Brightness Journey" medical team is about to set off on April 10th, with all team members shouldering the trust of the "people" and continuing to write a new chapter on the international stage!

　　Written by: Wu Zhaoxia

　　Edited by: LiuXin

　　Source: Peking University People’s Hospital