By Qi Xin in Hotan, Xinjiang and Cang Wei in Nanjing Updated: 2016-06-01
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Doctor Song Zhaopu, of the Jingeng Rehabilitation Hospital in Ruzhou, Henan province,checks on a child patient from Xinjiang with cerebral palsy. The doctor and his hospital are dedicated to providing voluntary treatment to children with cerebral palsy from Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. Photos Provided To China Daily |
Veteran cerebral palsy therapist helps kids with a combination of TCM, special exercises and hope
When Song Zhaopu walked into the room full of children with cerebral palsy, he was overwhelmed by happy screams and hugs.
The grey-haired doctor from Henan province remembers every child's name. He earns their trust and that of their parents, who come from Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, with his patience and outstanding skills.
In last June, Song was invited by the government of Moyu county to Xinjiang to help treat the more than 600 children there who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. No clinics to deal with the disorder exist locally, let alone any specialized hospitals.
Born in 1964, Song has been practicing medicine for 37 years. He earned his reputation by combining traditional Chinese medicine and rehabilitation exercises in his treatment. His hospital, Jingeng Rehabilitation Hospital in Ruzhou city, Henan province, has treated 2,270 babies with cerebral palsy over the past seven years.
It became a designated hospital as part of the "Tomorrow Plan" of the Ministry of Civil Affairs in 2013, which aims to provide surgical and rehabilitation services to disabled Chinese orphans.
"When first seeing the abandoned cerebral palsy children in welfare centers in 2009, I felt very sad, then decided to help them," Song said. "There were nearly 2,000 cerebral palsy babies in Xinjiang. I want to try my best to make their misfortune and sadness go away."
Some 23 children with cerebral palsy from Xinjiang have sought treatment at Song's hospital.
To familiarize them with their new environment, a special ward has been built equipped with facilities that allow them to eat as they would at home.
The hospital also distributes free baby formula, clothing and diapers, while audio equipment is provided to bring a smile with the sounds Xinjiang.
Song pays for the baby formula, nursing staff and medical equipment out of his own pocket, while about half of the hospital's profit is donated to children with cerebral palsy.
Almost every night, at around 10 pm, the doctor goes to the Xinjiang children's ward after finishing a day's work. He wants to make sure that the children with cerebral palsy are tucked in. It has become his new routine.
"Children with cerebral palsy should receive treatment before the age 3. Parents should not hesitate once their babies are diagnosed," Song said.
"The government has paid much attention to cerebral palsy children. Donations from around the country also help us a lot. Great amounts of baby powder, clothing and diapers are donated by warmhearted people."
Treating children with cerebral palsy can help the whole family to have a better life, the doctor said.
