China's First C909 Airplane Hospital Arrives in Vientiane

China's first C909 airplane hospital has officially landed in the Lao capital, Vientiane, marking a significant milestone in enhancing healthcare access for underprivileged communities. This landmark arrival, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV, initiates the first overseas public welfare medical service activity envisioned under the Air Health Silk Road.

The C909 airplane hospital is designed to provide an extensive array of medical services. It will facilitate mobile diagnosis and treatment, conduct surgical demonstrations, offer personnel training, and provide material donations. Additionally, the airplane hospital aims to address the needs of local residents by screening and treating diseases related to the eye, ear, nose, and throat.

Scheduled to operate until February 15, this public welfare medical service activity represents a commitment to improving public health through international cooperation.

In a related development, the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission has granted approval for the C909 as the nation's first specialized medical aircraft to commence pilot operations. This signifies a groundbreaking step forward in bolstering China’s aeromedical service capabilities.

The C909 airplane hospital has received the first practice license awarded to a domestic airborne hospital operated by a medical institution, further establishing its innovative position in the country's healthcare landscape.

Developed collaboratively by Fudan University's Eye and ENT Hospital and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, the airplane hospital meets stringent cleanliness standards mandated for hospital operating rooms. This ensures a sterile environment essential for conducting ophthalmic and otolaryngological surgeries.

Looking to the future, the airplane hospital aims to overcome geographic obstacles by providing high-quality medical services directly to patients situated in remote areas. By 2026, there are plans to broaden its operational reach to include medically underserved regions within Belt and Road partner countries as part of its charitable missions, according to Xinhua News Agency.