The beginning of a wonderful friendship

In August, a delegation of senior officials from the Ministry of Health in Sichuan Province, China, headed by their Deputy Director General of Health, Prof. Dau Bo. The delegation arrived in Israel for a quick two-day visit, specifically to visit Hillel Yaffe Medical Center. This visit is the first step in developing further friendly professional-medical relations as a direct continuation of the ongoing collaboration between Hillel Yaffe Hospital and the hospital in Deyang City in Sichuan Province, South China. Sichuan Province has a population of close to 90 million and covers an area that is 22 times the size of Israel.

During the visit, in which HYMC administration participated, Prof. Meir Oren, Director General of HYMC, conducted a comprehensive review of the hospital's activities. Clinical Assistant Professor Itamar Ashkenazi, Deputy Director of Surgery Department B, spoke about the hospital's preparedness for a mass casualty incident; Prof. Michael Krausz, Director of the Endocrine Surgery Service, presented a study on trauma management, and Dr. Moris Topaz, Director of the Plastic Surgery Unit, presented techniques to treat complex wounds. Later on, a festive meal was served and mutual wishes and symbolic gifts were exchanged in the best Chinese tradition.

Prof. Oren said, "The successful visit is due to the productive collaboration between the parties in full cooperation with the Israeli Embassy in Beijing, the military attaché and the local Ministry of Health. The meeting is an opportunity to strengthen the ties between Hillel Yaffe Medical Center in Hadera and the Ministry of Health of Sichuan Province, China. The current visit has enhanced the existing scientific and medical relationship between the medical center and hospitals in the Chinese provinces of Xinjiang and Sichuan, which contribute to both parties in deepening their knowledge and proficiency in emergency medical care and other subjects."

In the photograph: Prof. Meir Oren, Director of Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, and Prof. Dau Bo, Deputy Director General of Health of Sichuan Province, China.