A Life-Saving Medical Journey
The young patient was diagnosed with biliary atresia, a rare liver disease that blocks the bile ducts, potentially leading to liver damage if left untreated. A living donor transplant was successfully performed, with the child’s father serving as the donor. In a heartfelt video testimonial, the mother tearfully recalled their journey—from the moment of diagnosis to the countless hospital visits in search of treatment options.
According to Mr. Sia, “Liver transplantation is the standard treatment and a life-saving operation for children with liver disease. This milestone pediatric liver transplant opens doors for more accessible and affordable transplantation in our country.”
The successful medical cooperation coincided with the 50th anniversary of China-Philippines diplomatic relations, adding deeper significance to this partnership with Renji Hospital.
This global collaboration has not only opened doors for CGHMC but has also provided its doctors with a valuable opportunity to train at one of the world’s largest liver transplant centers.
Strengthening Medical Collaboration
Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz: “A Life Worth Saving”
His Excellency Ambassador Jaime A. FlorCruz sent a video message from Beijing. “I am thrilled to join you in this joyous occasion—a celebration of a new lease on life and a testament to the successful collaboration between China and the Philippines in the field of medicine.” He recalled meeting the young patient after the transplant procedure. “Eyes wide open, hands waving, face smiling—a typical, healthy two-year-old child.”
He emphasized that this is a concrete example of professional linkages and medical collaboration, demonstrating that bilateral exchanges in medicine and med-tech can be a force for good.
“This coincides with the 50th anniversary of China-Philippines diplomatic relations, a celebration centered on strengthening people-to-people exchanges that date back centuries. The Philippine Embassy in Beijing and our consulates in China are pleased to have assisted in making this surgery a huge success.”
DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa: Expanding Transplant Capabilities
Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa also shared his thoughts:
“This is a testament to the power of international collaboration and medical cooperation. Liver transplantation remains the definitive treatment for end-stage liver disease. However, in the Philippines, this procedure has been relatively scarce.”
He revealed that from 1998 to 2019, only 59 liver transplants were performed nationwide, with a survival rate of approximately 56%. “These numbers underscore the pressing need to expand our transplant capabilities, especially for our youngest patients.”
“This partnership presents a welcome opportunity to deepen our medical ties. Our goal is to establish a robust pediatric liver transplantation program that will ease the burden on patients seeking treatment abroad. Liver transplantation marks a pivotal advancement in our medical landscape—it proves that with proper training, resources, and international support, we can offer complex procedures locally.”
He commended CGHMC for its achievement, stating that this milestone strengthens the Department of Health’s commitment to advancing organ transplantation in the Philippines. “Furthermore, we aim to strengthen our healthcare infrastructure to support more transplant procedures, ensuring that financial constraints will not hinder access to this life-saving treatment.”
The Secretary also expressed gratitude to Dr. Xia Qiang, President of Renji Hospital, for his expert guidance and to the dedicated teams from both institutions. “This is more than a medical achievement—it’s a beacon of hope that showcases the remarkable outcomes that arise from solidarity, shared expertise, and an unwavering commitment to patient care. Dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, bawat buhay ay mahalaga (In the new Philippines, every life is important).”
A Testament to Enduring Friendship
Special guest speakers during the media briefing included Chinese Embassy Consul General Wang Yue and Mr. Zhao Yuxiang, Managing Director of Mindray.
Consul General Wang Yue congratulated the institutions, calling the liver transplant a “true miracle of life” made possible through medical collaboration. He highlighted CGHMC’s long-standing dedication to providing healthcare services to Filipinos—from admitting patients during the pandemic to assisting the government in large-scale vaccination efforts and medical missions.
“The hospital has consistently delivered invaluable healthcare services to the local community. These acts of kindness highlight the deep compassion of the Chinese Filipino community and serve as a testament to the enduring friendship between China and the Philippines.”
He also spoke about China’s rapid innovations in healthcare technology, such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing, which have significantly improved the accuracy and efficiency of medical diagnoses.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Possibilities
The audience also watched a testimonial video documenting the family’s journey. A live Zoom call was arranged so that the parents could share their gratitude from the CGHMC hospital room, where their child was resting after returning from China.
Dr. Sammy Cunanan, head of the CGHMC Transplant Team, acknowledged the contributions of transplant expert Dr. Norge Salvador and hepatobiliary specialist Dr. Billy James Uy.
Closing the program, CGHMC Medical Director Dr. Samuel Ang emphasized the importance of collaboration with institutions like the National Kidney Transplant Institute. He also recognized the leadership of Dr. Cunanan and the support of PCCAI and Mindray in sustaining CGHMC’s training at Renji Hospital.
“I saw the equipment that Mindray provided for Renji Hospital. It is my dream for Mindray to set up a state-of-the-art ICU here. Eventually, with our new IT system, we can establish a smart hospital.”
A Milestone for the Future
This historic achievement marks just the beginning of CGHMC’s commitment to advancing pediatric liver transplantation in the Philippines. By strengthening international partnerships, investing in medical expertise, and expanding access to life-saving treatments, CGHMC envisions a future where no child has to leave the country in search of a second chance at life.
With continued collaboration and innovation, CGHMC remains steadfast in its mission—saving lives, one milestone at a time, bringing exceptional care within reach for all.
