Duke to add dimension to Shanghai health care
A Shanghai public hospital has established a partnership with Duke University in the United States, part of the city's efforts to improve medical services for local residents and expand its medical resources.
Shanghai Pudong Hospital signed an agreement with Duke University on Feb 21 to jointly carry out medical treatment services by establishing an international medical department in the city.
The partnership provides for all-round cooperation, including scientific research, medical training, teaching and academic activities by both sides.
The hospital will introduce an advanced medical service model and medical technology from Duke University through a combination of online discussion and advisory and onsite practice. It is part of a platform that Duke University will use over the long term to deliver medical service, teaching and research in East Asia, according to Yu Bo, president of the hospital.
The immediate task for the cooperation is to establish diabetes and obesity surgery practices. Based on bariatric surgery, a series of procedures, such as body shaping, orthopedic and plastic surgery, will be offered.
Meanwhile, an orthopedics-dominated trauma center will be built, which will meet the US level-I trauma center standard. It accepts international medical-insurance payments, providing more convenience for patients, according to the hospital.
Over the past years, the city has expanded its quality medical resources to the suburbs, making it convenient for residents to seek medical treatment. The partnership will further enable them to access more advanced international medical services, according to an official from the Shanghai Health and Family Planning Commission.
The two sides will also explore cooperation in multi-disciplinary areas such as trauma emergency treatment, health management, personnel training and hospital management, to attract and develop more high-level medical talents.
Located near Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai International Tourism and Resorts Zone, the hospital plans to attract more international patients. Meanwhile, it will provide transfer and follow-up medical service for patients who will leave for the US to receive medical treatment. The hospital is now in talks with airline companies and multinational companies to establish relationships in medical emergency and health services.
