"Chunli Sunshine Program" Empowers Orthopedics Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Bringing Hope to Impoverished Patients

Recently, the Joint and Sports Medicine Unit under the Department of Orthopedics at Zhanggong Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, led by Professor Ji Guanglin and with Professor He Cheng as the lead surgeon, successfully performed surgery on an impoverished patient with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) supported by the "Chunli Sunshine Program". Launched by the China Charity Federation, this program provides free artificial joints to eligible patients through Beijing Chunli Zhengda Medical Devices Co., Ltd.

It is reported that the 61-year-old male patient had suffered from right hip pain for 2 years, with symptoms worsening and accompanied by limited mobility for over half a year. He had received multiple non-standard treatments without improvement; instead, his condition deteriorated with claudication during the past six months. He was eventually admitted to the outpatient department of our hospital. X-ray examination revealed right osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Director He Cheng immediately recommended hospitalization for surgical treatment, informing the patient that the surgery featured rapid recovery and would enable him to resume normal activities. The patient was overjoyed, but hesitated when learning the surgical cost would reach 30,000-40,000 yuan, seemingly having second thoughts. Sensing his hesitation, Director He Cheng asked if he was facing financial difficulties, and the patient truthfully shared his family's economic situation. Director He Cheng then reassured him: "Don't worry. Currently, the China Charity Federation, in conjunction with our hospital and Chunli Medical, is implementing the 'Chunli Sunshine Program', which provides free artificial joints for eligible impoverished patients." Upon hearing this, the patient regained his joy and promptly completed the hospitalization procedures. On July 18, he underwent right total hip arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia and was able to ambulate on the first postoperative day. The patient's family beamed with joy upon witnessing his excellent recovery.

    Currently, hip arthroplasty at the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University is well-established, with the following advantages:

    First：Short surgical duration: Approximately 30 minutes;

    Second：Minimal intraoperative blood loss: About 50-200ml;

    Third：Optimal postoperative analgesia: Patients experience essentially no pain;

    Fourth：Rapid postoperative recovery: Ambulation without crutches is achievable on the first postoperative day;

    Fifth：Low incidence of comprehensive complications: The prosthesis boasts a long service life.

    The Department of Orthopedics at Zhanggong Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University comprises Spine Unit, Joint & Sports Medicine Unit, and Trauma Unit. The Joint & Sports Medicine Unit routinely performs various hip/knee arthroplasties and complex joint revisions (with high volume and excellent outcomes for severe hip/knee disorders from osteonecrosis of the femoral head, developmental dysplasia of the hip, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.). It also conducts arthroscopic minimally invasive surgeries, including meniscal suture/plasty, cruciate ligament reconstruction, arthroscopic fracture fixation, rotator cuff repair, etc.

Introduction to the "Chunli Sunshine Program"

   The "Chunli Sunshine Program" is a key medical initiative jointly launched by Chunli Medical and the China Charity Federation in August 2009. Each year, Chunli Medical donates artificial joint products valued at 1 million yuan to the China Charity Federation, providing free products required for artificial joint replacement surgeries and spinal internal fixation products to impoverished patients suffering from severe joint diseases. Over the past nine years, this charitable program has established partnerships with 50 designated hospitals across 21 provinces, municipalities directly under the Central Government, and autonomous regions nationwide.