Vice-minister sets an example

Vice-Minister of Health Huang Jiefu performed three organ transplant surgeries in two days in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, creating a sensation of sorts across the country. Huang's action has not only raised public awareness of organ donation, but also set a good example for professionals-turned-officials, says an article in Guangzhou Daily. Excerpts:

After some netizens questioned his credentials to be vice-minister of health, Huang proved that he will always be a doctor first and his interest will always be to treat and cure patients.

Ordinary citizens don't want to donate organs because they think it would leave them debilitated. Besides, some institutional obstacles have also prevented people from donating organs.

Now that the vice-minister has performed an organ transplant surgery on a 17-year-old female student, more people may feel inspired to donate organs, pushing forward the cause of public good.

Many professors, medical professionals, and scientific and technical workers, once promoted for their good performance, either put on airs or are too occupied with administrative affairs to address students or diagnose patients, which widen the distance between officials and the grassroots.

Some may say that an official should do what his/her current position demands rather than cling on to his/her old duties. But if a university president can take classes why can't the minister or vice-minister of health perform a surgery? So why not applause Minister Huang and encourage others to follow his example?

(China Daily 11/28/2012 page9)