Peking Union hospital celebrates 100th year

Peking Union Medical College Hospital, which celebrated its 100th anniversary on Thursday, will promote high-quality development with the cultivation of excellent medical talent and persistence in innovation in the new era, a senior government official said.

Ma Xiaowei, head of the National Health Commission, said the 100-year history of the hospital is the epitome of the development of modern medicine in China.

"It has also witnessed the thriving construction of China's healthcare sector under the Party's leadership," he said.

On Monday, Premier Li Keqiang inspected the hospital and hailed its contribution to modern medicine and medical education in China. Li emphasized that staff members at the hospital should uphold professional ethics to protect people's lives and health.

To mark its centenary, the hospital held a celebration on Thursday in Beijing. Experts and medical leaders shared their insights on the development of the top medical institution.

Since its establishment, the hospital has been taking the lead in China's medical hospital management. It has combined clinical experiments with fundamental research to lead breakthroughs in treatment on difficult, critical and rare diseases in China, said Zhang Shuyang, president of the hospital.

"It has also accumulated precious medical resources with professional staff, a well-stocked library and a well-preserved patient record, which are known as 'the three treasures of Peking Union Medical College Hospital'," she said.

The hospital has also played an important role in communication and cooperation between China and foreign countries in the medical field.

In June, Peking Union Medical College Hospital signed a memorandum of understanding with the China Medical Board, which is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, extending their collaboration in areas related to academic enhancement including faculty development, support for residency training and further development of the China Nursing Consortium of Elite Teaching Hospitals.

The hospital and the China Medical Board have a shared history.

"One century ago, the China Medical Board founded Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Throughout the history of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, the China Medical Board has always been our strongest friend and collaborator," Zhang said at the signing.

Ning Guang, president of Ruijin Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, said Peking Union Medical College Hospital "has a long and rich experience of medicine and most hospitals in China have learned from its experience".

In the 1950s, the hospital sent its medical talent to institutions all over China to help establish the country's healthcare system.

"Peking Union Medical College Hospital has become a guiding light for medicine, research and education not only in China, but also across the world," said Paul Rothman, chief executive officer of Johns Hopkins Medicine.

In recent years, the two hospitals have strengthened cooperation and set up exchange programs for clinicians, researchers and students.

As China's top hospital, Peking Union Medical College Hospital has set its eyes on high-quality development to lead the way for China's modern medicine and build the best medical center in Asia.