Huademi

The strenuous process under which the Communist Party of China (CPC) has led the Chinese people in the battle against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been extraordinary and difficult. Numerous medical workers, across the country, have devoted themselves to the battle. They have been contributing to the prevention and control of the epidemic. Huademi, director of the department of pulmonary diseases, under the No. 3 People's Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region, is a typical example of those workers.

Soon after the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in Tibet, in early 2020, Huademi was appointed head of the hospital's group of experts treating infected patients. She led the group's members in working around the clock to help and save the patients. "We had to cope with intense pressures in our work, as we treated the first patient (in Tibet) … Also, we had to cope with the unfavorable local conditions, such as underdeveloped medical technology and little oxygen in the high-altitude region, as we treated patients," recalls Huademi.

It was not the first time Huademi was entrusted with a difficult mission at a critical moment. Given her successful treatment of the three patients afflicted with avian influenza A (H7N9), Lhasa (capital of Tibet Autonomous Region) achieved the goal of no H7N9-related deaths in 2017. Given her outstanding achievements, Huademi was named a National Advanced Worker and a National March 8th Red-Banner Holder in 2020.

Huademi, a doctor of medicine, has spared no effort in pursuing perfection (in work). She in recent years has led her medical team in developing, with peer experts in several of China's first-tier cities, a global plan for treating MDR-TB (multidrug-resistant tuberculosis). Given the team's breakthrough technology for treating the disease, patients who suffer from MDR-TB may receive treatment within Tibet.

"I'm lucky that I live in a good age. Given the national policy of reform and opening-up, I have had opportunities to further my studies, both at home and abroad. Now, my son has more opportunities to receive better education," says Huademi.

Enabling all Chinese to attain good health is the basis for building China into a moderately prosperous society in all respects. The Chinese Government in recent years has promulgated preferential policies to help Tibet develop its medical and health services. "Given the region's marked improvements in its medical and health services (in recent years), residents' sense of fulfillment and happiness has grown stronger. That has laid a solid foundation for the promotion of Tibet's sustainable economic development and its social harmony and stability," concludes Huademi.

Huademi's family

Photos Supplied by the Interviewee

(Women of China English Monthly May 2021 issue)