As the year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines, the two countries have deepened their cooperation in the medical field. Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center, along with Shanghai Jiaotong University-affiliated Renji Hospital, have continued to strengthen their partnership, particularly in liver transplantation, advancing both medical services and training. This collaboration not only fosters technical exchanges but also demonstrates substantial achievements in saving lives, showcasing the tangible results of China-Philippine medical cooperation.
With the active support of Chinese General Hospital, cooperation between the two hospitals has made significant strides, including providing vital medical assistance for a child in urgent need of a liver transplant. This surgery marks a milestone in their cooperation and brings new opportunities for the development of healthcare in the Philippines, reflecting the deep friendship and humanitarian care between the two nations.
Last year, a delegation from Chinese General Hospital, including the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association, Incorporation Chairman Antonio Tan, Honorary Chairman and Executive Committee Chairman Dr. Benito Goyokpin, President and CEO, Mr. Kelly Sia, and Chinese General Hospital Medical Director Dr. Samuel Ang visited Shanghai for the first time. They attended a medical exhibition and visited Renji Hospital to gain a deeper understanding of its advancements in liver transplantation. Following this, a team of experts from Renji Hospital visited the Philippines, and held in-depth discussions with Chinese General Hospital regarding technical exchanges and clinical training.
This series of exchanges laid the foundation for the partnership, culminating in the signing of a Medical Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2024 at Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center in the Philippines. The MOU formally marked the beginning of comprehensive collaboration between the two hospitals in liver transplantation, covering areas such as physician training, technical exchanges, and clinical cooperation.
Following the signing of the MOU, both sides quickly moved forward with their collaboration. Chinese General Hospital sent its first group of doctors to Renji Hospital for professional liver transplantation training, aimed at enhancing the hospital’s medical skills and capabilities in this field and laying a solid foundation for the development of related technologies in the Philippines.
This year, the collaboration reached a significant breakthrough: a pediatric liver transplant patient from Chinese General Hospital was arranged to undergo liver transplant surgery at Renji Hospital in Shanghai. The child’s father volunteered to be the liver donor and accompanied the medical team to Shanghai, where the surgery is scheduled for February 11, 2025. This marks a major advancement in China-Philippine medical cooperation, representing a joint effort to save lives and benefit patients.
Renji Hospital has achieved outstanding results in liver transplantation, particularly in the field of pediatric liver transplants, with vast experience and successful cases. In the past five years, Renji Hospital has successfully performed over 3,800 pediatric liver transplants, becoming one of China’s and the world’s leading medical institutions in this field. The surgery represents a significant step forward in helping Filipino patients and improving local medical standards, offering new hope to more patients.
In this collaboration, both Chinese General Hospital and Renji Hospital not only provide medical services but also actively raise funds. Through donations from Chinese General Hospital and its partner enterprises, the costs of the surgery and medical treatment for the patient have been covered, ensuring that the patient can receive treatment smoothly. This demonstrates both hospitals’ commitment to medical aid and reflects the humanitarian spirit of medical cooperation.
As 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines, this historic moment not only witnesses the enduring friendship between the two countries but also presents fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation. The pediatric liver transplant case is a testament to the joint efforts of China and the Philippines in the medical field, working together to improve the well-being of both nations.
The collaboration between Chinese General Hospital and Renji Hospital extends beyond a single surgery; it encompasses long-term medical education and professional training, aiming to cultivate more medical talent in the Philippines and advance liver transplant techniques in the country. In the future, both sides will continue to deepen their cooperation, further enhancing medical standards in the Philippines and ensuring that local patients can access world-class medical services.
This groundbreaking medical cooperation project not only brings hope to liver disease patients in the Philippines but also serves as a model for China-Philippine medical collaboration, fostering friendship and mutual trust between the people of both nations. Moving forward, Chinese General Hospital will continue to work with Renji Hospital to bring hope and new life to more patients, jointly writing a new chapter in China-Philippine medical cooperation!
