Doctor's Monthly Mission: 17 Years of Free Lung Care

Dr. Du Ronghui, vice-president of Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital, has committed 17 years to offering free medical services in Tongcheng county, Hubei province. Every month, she travels about 500 kilometers to provide care, clocking over 100,000 kilometers and assisting more than 7,000 residents.

Her dedication stems from observing the challenges faced by rural populations, particularly concerning lung diseases. Many complex and atypical cases go undiagnosed locally, leading to prolonged suffering. Du's initiative ensures these patients receive accurate diagnoses and treatment, exemplified by successfully treating a woman misdiagnosed with tuberculosis for years.

Du's efforts also focus on developing cost-effective medical technologies for conditions like COPD and pneumoconiosis prevalent in areas with occupational dust exposure. Her team's innovations, such as a low-cost pulmonary bulla ablation system, significantly reduce treatment risks and expenses for low-income patients.

Recognized for her exceptional service, Du was named Hubei's sole recipient of China's 'Most Beautiful Doctors' award on August 19 by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China and the National Health Commission. She continues her monthly visits, pledging to serve as long as needed.