Spring Journey to the Grassroots- the"White-Robed Messengers" on the Silk Road

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia. Currently, three cardiologists from Indonesia are undergoing training in Xiamen, initiated by the Heart Sapling Visiting Scholar Program launched by the Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital Xiamen University. What stories lie behind these Indonesian doctors crossing the ocean to learn in China? Today’s "Spring Journey to the Grassroots" takes us on this journey.

Following mentors on patient rounds, participating in case discussions, and observing high-difficulty procedures are daily "compulsory courses" for the Indonesian doctors during their training.

In the cardiovascular interventional Lab, Dr. Suryo from Indonesia attentively watches every step of the Chinese doctor's operation: puncturing, guiding the wire, expanding the blood vessels, and implanting a stent... Ultimately, they successfully clear the blocked cardiovascular system and open up the "lifeline" for the patient. Dr. Suryo told reporters that in August 2024, the team led by Preident Wang Yan of Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital Xiamen University was invited to the Indonesian city of Surabaya, a sister city of Xiamen, to visit the hospital where Dr. Suryo works. There, they used Chinese-made innovative medical equipment to guide the local team in performing cardiovascular interventional procedures.

Indonesian Doctor Suryo Ardi Hutomo: "Professor Wang Yan and his team performed a high-difficulty Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) at our hospital. This was the first implantation of Chinese-made interventional valve devices in Indonesia. Chinese doctors also completed the first Percutaneous Coronary Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) in Indonesia. Before this, most of the interventional cardiovascular devices we knew of were from Europe and the U.S. Now, we can use advanced Chinese-made medical equipment to solve clinical 'pain points'."

Indonesia has a population of nearly 300 million, but there are only about 1,500 cardiovascular specialists, with two-thirds of them concentrated on Java Island. The country only produces about 50 cardiovascular specialist graduates per year, leaving a gap of around 1,000 specialists.

Indonesian Doctor Devie Caroline: "Here, there are many experts and advanced medical equipment, allowing me the opportunity to learn coronary intervention techniques, angiography, and right heart catheterization to address complex cardiovascular diseases."

Indonesian Doctor Arief Aji Subakti: "In Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, cardiovascular diseases rank first in both incidence and mortality rates. Therefore, I must master interventional techniques. I am amazed by the speed at which China’s medical technology is developing!"

To allow the Indonesian doctors to experience a Chinese New Year, the Chinese colleagues invited them to participate in activities such as New Year printmaking, making wishes in the festive atmosphere. The Indonesian doctors were excited to share that they received the good news at the start of the year that Indonesia had become an official member of the BRICS, which filled them with joy and pride.

Indonesian Doctor Suryo Ardi Hutomo: "Joining BRICS signifies Indonesia's active role in Asia. We can engage in multilateral cooperation with many countries on the international stage to address global challenges in public health, economy, poverty, food security, and climate change."

In 2022, Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital Xiamen University launched the Heart Sapling Visiting Scholar Program, which recruits young cardiovascular specialists from BRICS and Belt and Road Initiative countries to receive training in China. Currently, the program has been included in the Global Development Project Pool of China International Development Cooperation Agency. To date, it has admitted 16 trainees from nine countries, including Brazil, Russia, and India.

Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital Xiamen University Office Director and Human Resources Department Director Xu Liangyou: "This year, we have also developed many outbound visiting plans, including for BRICS countries. Through the combination of 'bring in' and 'going out,' we aim to enhance international exchange and cooperation."

[Journalist’s Note] On the photo wall of the Heart Sapling program, we noticed that Indonesia has sent the most doctors to China. This wall not only witnesses the solid steps China has taken in international medical cooperation but also highlights the country’s sense of responsibility. Today, on the "Health Silk Road" between China and Indonesia, the "white-robed messengers" who have crossed the seas to learn in China are spreading the "seeds" of Chinese wisdom far and wide, allowing the "flowers of friendship" to bloom brilliantly.

Video Source: Xiamen TV News