For 99 days, doctor never let up

Zhuo Huichang, a doctor from Fujian province, has been in the fight against COVID-19 for 99 days, starting in Wuhan, Hubei province, and then in the Philippines.

"The experience is unforgettable," Zhuo said, adding that he feels honored to do his part as a doctor when the country and its people needed him.

As a senior doctor in the critical care department at First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, he boarded a plane to Wuhan on Jan 27. At that time, Wuhan was the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in China.

"I didnt hesitate for a moment because I had been thinking about it," Zhuo said.

Although his child objected to the decision, his wife, who is also a medical professional, gave him strong support. "This is our responsibility," she said.

During his stay in Wuhan, Zhuo fought the infection with peers at two local hospitals. All the COVID-19 patients they were responsible for recovered and were discharged, he said proudly.

One more mission awaited. After Zhuo returned to Fujian and completed his 14-day quarantine, he volunteered on April 5 to serve with a medical team being sent to the Philippines.

"I had the experience in Wuhan and I could share it with colleagues in the Philippines," Zhuo said, adding that he wanted to make a contribution to the world.

In the Philippines, the medical experts spent entire days sharing their experiences.

"From 8 am until late into the night we were meeting with local government departments, hospitals and designated quarantine stations. We wanted to communicate what we had learned about treatment plans for COVID-19 patients," he said.

"I feel connected to Wuhan and the Philippines now," Zhuo said. No wonder after 99 days.