Song Zhaopu, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and also a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in central China’s Henan Province, is using his knowledge and experience to contribute to the affordability and global reach of TCM.
Engaged in routine consultations and treatment procedures, Song embodies the essence of TCM, emphasizing holistic care and personalized therapies for his patients.
In a healthcare landscape dominated by Western medicine, Song's pioneering TCM rehabilitation approach has provided hope to over 3,200 children with cerebral palsy.
In modern Western medicine, the odds of curing cerebral palsy are slim. But for 15 years, Song has offered a unique TCM rehabilitation method, free of charge, to over 3,200 children with neurological disorder, earning him the endearing moniker "Angel Grandpa".
"Their smiles are the greatest reward I could ask for," said the doctor.
After being elected as a deputy to NPC, Song has devoted even more attention to broadening TCM's reach among the Chinese population, as evidenced by his advocacy for TCM's role in preventing and treating chronic illnesses during the 2024 NPC session. This year, he stressed the importance of TCM in rural clinics.
"My suggestion this year is to popularize TCM in rural clinics, enabling more people to access TCM up close," said Song.
With government support, TCM's benefits are gaining recognition both at home and abroad. Song's mentorship of international students in TCM reflects a broader effort to share Chinese medical knowledge globally.
Song also emphasized the fusion of traditional wisdom with modern technology.
"For the future development of TCM, it's crucial to combine it with modern technology and introduce AI to TCM," said Song.
Song said AI and other means should be leveraged to extract ancient sages' wisdom and apply it in clinical practice to safeguard the health of the people.
NPC deputy widens global access to traditional Chinese medicine care
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday urged a "truly durable" ceasefire with unimpeded humanitarian aid access for Gaza, while warning that the overall humanitarian situation in the war-torn enclave remains fragile despite some improvements.
Guterres said at a press encounter that clean water is reaching more communities, some health facilities have reopened, and in the wake of the winter storms, the international community acted immediately to provide support.
However, Guterres warned that about 1.6 million people in the Gaza Strip, or more than 75 percent of the population, would face extreme levels of acute food insecurity and critical malnutrition risks.
Since October, the UN has done everything possible to keep lifelines open, but needs are growing faster than aid can get in, he said.
"We need a truly durable ceasefire, and we need more crossings, the lifting of restrictions on critical items, the removal of red tape, safe routes inside Gaza, sustained funding, and unimpeded access, including for NGOs," said Guterres.
Meanwhile, Guterres warned that the situation in the West Bank is also rapidly deteriorating, with Palestinians facing multiple threats including escalating violence by settlers, land confiscation, forced demolition of homes, and increasingly stringent restrictions on movement. In the north, tens of thousands of people have already been displaced due to Israeli military operations.
Guterres stressed that the international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, must be upheld across the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.
Guterres also said the International Court of Justice's Advisory Opinion of Oct. 22, 2025 clearly stated that Israel is under the obligation to allow and facilitate humanitarian aid, to cooperate with the United Nations in carrying out its mandates, and to respect the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its personnel, including in times of armed conflict.
UN chief urges "truly durable" ceasefire with unimpeded humanitarian access for Gaza
