Dedicated doctor ensures community healthcare

Zhang Puqing gave up county job to serve hometown

Zhang Puqing measures the blood pressure for a patient at a village in Jixian county, Linfen, Shanxi province. CHINA DAILY

In the town of Hukou in Shanxi province, situated along the middle reaches of the Yellow River, Zhang Puqing, a 45-year-old doctor, has devoted 25 years to delivering healthcare services to local residents.

Working at the Hukou Town Health Center in Linfen city, approximately four kilometers from the Hukou Waterfall scenic area, Zhang not only tends to the health needs of residents but also prioritizes medical services for tourists.

"I grew up in a nearby village where we drank water from the Yellow River. I feel proud to contribute to the health of the people," Zhang said. "Every patient seeking treatment carries the weight of expectation in their eyes, reinforcing my awareness of the duty to safeguard their health."

Whether during quiet late-night emergencies or busy daily clinics, she approaches each case with utmost focus and professionalism, never allowing complacency.

The villages in Hukou town are scattered, requiring Zhang and her colleagues to traverse mountains and rugged terrain, even in adverse weather conditions, to conduct home visits for chronic disease patients.

In Nanyuan village, Yuan Wurong was deeply troubled by diabetes and his wife suffered from high blood pressure, which plunged their lives into hardship. When they felt helpless, Zhang entered their lives.

"Her smile, gentle inquiries about our conditions and her soothing voice gave us hope," Yuan said.

Now Yuan and his wife live a lifestyle as Zhang instructs, and their symptoms of diabetes and high blood pressure have been greatly alleviated.

As a grassroots doctor, Zhang's phone remains on 24 hours every day, with 80 percent of the town's residents having her number. "Each successful treatment fills me with a profound sense of accomplishment, especially when I witness the joy and gratitude on patients' faces and their families," she said.

In the eyes of her colleagues, Zhang is known for her strength and determination. Over the years, they have faced challenges together, from late-night mudslides at the hospital to emergency rescues in the farming fields.

In recent years, the Shanxi Provincial Health Commission has focused on enhancing the capabilities of rural healthcare workers, carrying out competency-based training and various initiatives to strengthen the workforce.

By improving training programs, the commission aims to enhance the service capabilities of rural healthcare workers in areas such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses and emergencies.

Zhang Bo, director of the provincial commission, said the comprehensive training provided to over 300,000 healthcare professionals has strengthened services at the grassroots level.

Through her dedication and hard work, Zhang Puqing obtained a bachelor's degree through self-study. In 2013, she was admitted into Jixian People's Hospital. However, driven by her deep concern for the people of Hukou town, she chose to forego the superior conditions of the county hospital and returned to the town health center.

"I have grown and evolved with the Yellow River, the Hukou town health center and my family. My affection for my hometown has deepened over time, and I am willing to work at the grassroots," she said.

As the sole medical institution in the Hukou waterfall scenic area, the town health center plays a crucial role in providing medical support for tourists.

During holidays, Zhang voluntarily takes on shifts, participating in over 1,000 medical emergencies.

Recognized for her outstanding performance, Zhang was promoted to the position of director of the health center in 2017.

In early October 2021, heavy rainfall led to a landslide at 1 am that caused mudflows to inundate the pharmacy, storage rooms, examination rooms and vaccination rooms at the main building of the health center.

Upon receiving a call, Zhang rushed to the scene, ensuring the comfort of her frightened colleagues and promptly reporting the situation to the county medical organizations. She disregarded personal safety, wading into the rooms to retrieve medical equipment.

In recent years, the city's health commission has been improving service capabilities in 137 township health centers across the city. With joint efforts, the grassroots healthcare service system has achieved significant progress, said Dong Fengni, director of the Linfen City Health Commission.

Looking ahead, Zhang aims to introduce advanced medical equipment, enhance medical technology and ensure that residents can access quality healthcare services at the town.

By seeking collaboration and exchanges with higher-level hospitals, she strives to establish convenient referral and telemedicine mechanisms to provide comprehensive care. "The Yellow River is beautiful, and I love my hometown. I will not forget my original aspiration as a healthcare provider, dedicating my efforts to the health of the grassroots people," Zhang said.

Hao Dongliang contributed to this story.