Chapter 534: Domestic Medical Shortcomings: No Room for Softness

“She wanted to study medicine, but I didn’t agree. Now she’s in the manufacturing industry.”

“Studying medicine is indeed tough. I can understand your reasoning.”

Zhou Can nodded with a knowing look.

Usually, when parents are doctors, their children rarely follow in their footsteps. In contrast, ancient practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine passed their knowledge down through generations.

This just goes to show that in today’s profit-driven era, most people prioritize prospects and benefits above all else.

There’s a saying: ‘劝人学医，天打雷劈’—persuade someone to study medicine, and you’ll be struck by lightning.

Though it’s a joke, it’s slowly turned into a kind of proverb.

“It’s not entirely about the hardship, though. No job is truly easy these days. China doesn’t lack doctors, but do you know? Over 90% of our medical equipment is imported. In some fields, it’s practically 100%. Take the Da Vinci Surgical Robot, for instance—a machine capable of performing precise surgeries automatically. We have nothing like it here.”

“Its initial cost was in the tens of millions of dollars. Even now, after price drops, a single set still costs around 20 million yuan. If it breaks down, we have to bring in foreign engineers for repairs. Replacement parts? Also imported. I have a feeling that in the future, competition in the surgical field will heavily revolve around instruments and equipment.”

Director Zhu laid out the real challenges and shortcomings facing China’s medical industry to Zhou Can.

Technological lag means we rely entirely on imports for many high-end precision instruments and equipment.

Even the tips of scalpels—high-wear parts—are something we can only source from abroad.

High-frequency scalpel tips, in particular, are beyond our manufacturing capability. The metal we produce shatters under high-frequency vibrations.

“Our country still has a long way to go in manufacturing advanced medical instruments and equipment! Is your daughter working in the medical device field?”

Zhou Can asked.

“Exactly. I’ve set a goal for her. I hope one day, all scalpels and their tips used in China won’t have to be imported. It might seem like a small target, but achieving it is incredibly difficult. It’ll take the combined efforts of countless young talents.”

Director Zhu nodded slightly.

From him, Zhou Can could sense a deep concern for the nation and its people, as well as a fervent patriotism.

At that moment, Zhou Can couldn’t help but feel a surge of respect for Director Zhu.

“Zhou Can, if our country’s medical standards are to improve, we need talent in every field. Manufacturing needs skilled minds, and the surgical field needs them even more. You have remarkable talent, and I hope you cherish it. People can make mistakes, but some errors—fundamental ones—must never be made. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

Director Zhu looked at him earnestly, his words heavy with meaning.

“I understand. I won’t get involved in bribery, corruption, or anything illegal. I’ll take good care of the white coat I wear.”

Zhou Can declared solemnly.

The white coat is more than just work attire for a doctor—it carries a sacred duty.

“I believe you’re already in a good financial position. Bribery and corruption shouldn’t tempt you. As the saying goes, a person with no desires naturally stands taller. But I’ve heard many young nurses and female doctors see you as their Prince Charming. When it comes to matters of the heart, you must tread carefully. A man’s upper half is his discipline, the lower half his instinct. You have to control those instincts.”

After taking a long detour, Director Zhu finally revealed what he wanted to warn Zhou Can about.

Young, accomplished, handsome, wealthy, and emotionally intelligent—such an outstanding man often struggles most with romantic entanglements. Beautiful and talented women are never in short supply around someone like him.

“Understood.”

This time, Zhou Can didn’t dare make any reckless promises.

A man only settles down when he’s truly committed. Emotions are tricky—sometimes no one can predict how they’ll play out.

“Alright, let’s talk business! Provincial People’s Hospital has always been the big brother in the province’s medical community. In recent years, our hospital has grown rapidly, barely managing to stand on equal footing with them. I was thrilled to hear you’ve connected with them, facilitating an exchange between our hospitals.”

Director Zhu knew full well that mutual exchanges between the two hospitals would benefit both sides.

This was a major breakthrough in relations with an external hospital.

It could even be called a milestone.

The experts at Provincial People’s Hospital have always been arrogant, harboring a subtle disdain for Tuyu Hospital’s doctors deep down. They might not say it outright, but during meetings, that bone-deep arrogance is palpable to everyone.

In short, while Tuyu Hospital has become one of the top tertiary hospitals in the province, they refuse to acknowledge its rise.

In terms of history and foundation, Provincial People’s Hospital outclasses Tuyu Hospital by a wide margin.

“Perhaps they’ve noticed our hospital’s recent progress and are starting to recognize our status. That’s likely why they agreed to the exchange. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time to make the connection. You’re the one who deserves the credit. Under your wise leadership, Tuyu Hospital’s operations are thriving, and our medical standards keep rising. That’s what earned their respect.”

Zhou Can didn’t dare take credit in front of the hospital’s biggest boss.

He deftly shifted all the praise to Director Zhu.

“Haha, your sweet talk is a delight to hear. Regarding the collaboration with Provincial People’s Hospital for academic and technical exchanges, this is a great opportunity. I’ll call a meeting with the hospital’s key leaders soon. Once we have a decision, I’ll notify you. If there’s nothing else, go ahead and get back to work!”

With Director Zhu’s approval, the matter was essentially settled.

Calling a meeting with hospital leaders to discuss was just a necessary formality.

Any competent leader of an organization knows better than to rule by decree alone.

The most common approach for a leader is to establish authority within the organization first, then make decisions through meetings and majority votes. No one can argue with that.

“I’d also like to bring up the incident with Lu Xiangbei’s suicide attempt.”

Zhou Can’s main reason for meeting Director Zhu was to plead on behalf of those who had left the hospital.

At the very least, he wanted to gauge Director Zhu’s stance to see if there was any hope.

“I was shocked and sympathetic when I heard about Lu Xiangbei’s incident. However, the moment they left Tuyu Hospital for another job, they ceased to be our employees. We have neither the ability nor the obligation to get involved. Of course, if there are difficulties with his treatment costs, I’m willing to personally donate 200 yuan.”

Director Zhu, an old hand at navigating tricky situations, saw through Zhou Can’s intentions the moment he spoke.

He cut Zhou Can off with a firm response.

“Uh… jumping ship was definitely a mistake on their part, and they’ve paid a heavy price for it. But right now, they’re basically at a dead end. Helping them out would reflect your compassion. Plus, Cardiothoracic Surgery has been swamped lately—patients are overcrowding the wards and Emergency Department. We’re severely short-staffed. Giving these people another chance could actually benefit the hospital’s growth…”

Zhou Can pushed forward, pleading with Director Zhu despite the awkwardness.

If Director Zhu gave the green light, those individuals might have a chance to return to work at Tuyu Hospital.

For Zhou Can, it was just a matter of saying a few words.

For them, it could mean a lifeline.

“I’ll give this serious thought. When I’ve made up my mind, I’ll discuss it directly with Director Xue. Go ahead and get back to work!”

At this point, Zhou Can knew it was time to leave.

There were many things beyond his control or influence. He could only do his part and hope for the best. Whether it succeeded or not wasn’t up to him.

…

Back at the Emergency Department, Zhou Can had barely stepped into the Emergency Hall when Director Lou waved him over urgently.

“Zhou Can, Zhou Can!”

“Director Lou, what’s going on?”

“This patient was just brought in by ambulance. They had a right upper lobe resection surgery at Third Hospital. On the very day of the operation, severe complications arose. The family insisted on a transfer and had the ambulance bring them straight here.”

Five or six family members hovered around the emergency bed, their faces etched with worry.

In front of the family, there were things Director Lou couldn’t say outright.

But as an experienced doctor, even a brief overview was enough to get the gist of the situation.

This patient was a classic ‘problem case’—a hot potato in the eyes of medical staff.

Whoever took them on was in for trouble.

“Another incident from Third Hospital! That’s five or six cases this month alone, isn’t it?”

Zhou Can muttered under his breath after hearing the details.

His voice was low, but just loud enough for the family members to catch.

Sometimes, strategic wording isn’t exclusive to families.

Zhou Can had long grown fed up with Third Hospital’s antics. He wasn’t about to pass up a chance to throw some shade their way.

Director Lou shot Zhou Can a surprised glance but said nothing.

The family members, however, visibly reacted. Their expressions shifted.

Beyond worry, a flicker of anger surfaced.

Some even started whispering among themselves.

This was exactly the effect Zhou Can had aimed for.

Stepping forward, he carefully examined the patient’s condition. The patient wasn’t old—around thirty or so. Their left shoulder, outer upper arm, hip, and outer thigh showed extensive soft tissue damage, swollen and blackened.

One look told him this was an extremely serious case.

With his wealth of diagnostic experience, Zhou Can’s heart sank as he assessed the patient’s external condition.

This patient was in grave danger. Saving them would be a long shot.

“Were these injuries to the left shoulder, hip, and thigh present before the surgery, or did they appear afterward?”

Zhou Can asked the family.

“Before the surgery, my son was fine. That very night after the operation, he ended up like this. He kept saying he was in pain, so I called for the nurses. They brushed me off, saying it was normal. Later, when he couldn’t bear the pain anymore and struggled to breathe, I went to them again. Only then did they run some tests and start treatment. But two days later, not only has he not improved, he’s gotten worse. I heard another patient in a nearby ward died on the third day after surgery. I got so scared.”

The patient’s mother, in her fifties, seemed to come from an ordinary background based on her attire.

Recounting her son’s experience at Third Hospital, her voice trembled with anger.

“Did you coordinate with our hospital before bringing the patient here?”

Zhou Can asked again.

“No, we didn’t. We’d only heard that Tuyu Hospital has exceptional medical expertise. When we requested a transfer, the doctors at Third Hospital weren’t keen on it. They said his condition was critical, and transferring him could lead to death en route. If we insisted, we’d have to take full responsibility. But if we didn’t transfer, the consequences could be even worse. Coming to Tuyu Hospital gave us at least a sliver of hope.”

As she spoke, the family member wiped away tears.

In the face of illness, patients and their families already bear immense suffering. When dealing with a major hospital, they’re often the weaker party.

“Has he been urinating these past couple of days?”

Zhou Can continued examining the patient while asking questions.

“He has. He even went once on the way here during the transfer.”

“Was the volume significant?”

Zhou Can pressed further.

“I think it was decent. About two or three times a day. We used a urinal to collect it, and it was roughly half full each time.”

The family answered Zhou Can’s questions honestly.

They weren’t naive. Seeing a senior figure in the Emergency Department specifically call over this young doctor for a diagnosis hinted that his skills were likely exceptional.

“You didn’t throw out that urinal, did you?”

“No, it’s right here!”

With that, a family member pulled out a white urinal from a plastic bag.

Zhou Can glanced at its capacity—a large 1500-milliliter container.

“So the total daily urine output is about half of this urinal, right?”

“Yes, that sounds about right.”

“Let’s step over there to discuss.”

Zhou Can directed this to Director Lou and the family.

“Doctor, is my son’s condition very serious? Can he be saved?”

The patient’s mother asked anxiously.

“I can only tell you that his condition is extremely critical. Based on some physical signs, he’s already showing signs of kidney failure and respiratory failure. The exact cause isn’t clear yet. We’ll need further tests to confirm.”

After speaking, Zhou Can turned to Director Lou.

“If we admit this patient, the chances of saving him are very low. Do you think we should suggest they seek treatment at a better-equipped hospital?”

This was essentially a suggestion to advise the family to transfer the patient elsewhere.

Director Lou would certainly understand his meaning.

“Respiratory and kidney failure are areas where Tuyu Hospital isn’t particularly strong. I recommend you take him to Provincial People’s Hospital immediately. They’re far better equipped to handle these conditions. His situation is critical—you can’t afford any more delays. The ambulance hasn’t left yet, so hurry and get him there.”

Director Lou was even smoother than Zhou Can.

Picking up on Zhou Can’s intent to redirect the patient, he quickly backed him up.

Moreover, he framed it entirely from the perspective of the patient’s and family’s best interests.

That level of tact was honed through countless real-world experiences.

“What are we supposed to do now? We went through so much to get him here, and now they’re saying they can’t treat him!”

The patient’s mother collapsed to the ground, covering her face as she sobbed.

Seeing this, Zhou Can felt a pang of sympathy.

But he knew there was no room for softness in a situation like this. Otherwise, the patient would likely die at Tuyu Hospital.

Post-surgical complications can sometimes be treatable, but others are fatal.

The symptoms displayed by this patient pointed to an extremely high likelihood of death.

“Saving a life comes first! Stop crying and get him to Provincial People’s Hospital for emergency care. I’m anxious just watching you delay.”

An older, experienced nurse chimed in, urging the family to act.