Flying clinic from Shanghai conducts medical diagnosis, training in Xinjiang

A C909 medical aircraft with experts from a hospital in Shanghai on board, which arrived at Shihezi in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Friday, carried out medical diagnoses and training for locals from Saturday to Sunday.

The medical aircraft is modified from China's commercial jetliner C909, which made its first commercial flight in June 2016. It is equipped with high-end medical equipment comparable to that of a grade-A tertiary hospital in China.

Using the on-board domestically produced 5G remote diagnosis and treatment system, experts could remotely control the medical equipment in real time, enabling accurate diagnoses.

During the two-day medical activity, nearly 50 local patients experienced the advanced, one-stop diagnosis and treatment process on the plane.

A 19-year-old patient surnamed Zhu has suffered for years from a significant difference in vision between his two eyes. Using advanced equipment such as a 5G remote slit lamp and a homegrown corneal topographer, specialists developed a detailed surgical plan for him.

"This is our slit lamp with 5G remote control function, which can be operated in the clinic in Shanghai," said Zhou Xingtao, president of the Eye and ENT (ear, nose, and throat) Hospital of Fudan University. Another patient surnamed Tian, troubled by blurred vision, was also amazed that she could receive a comprehensive fundus examination on board.

"I think it is quite amazing. I didn't expect that the equipment here would be so complete and the experts explained it in extraordinary details," she said.

While providing diagnosis and treatment services to local patients, the medical aircraft also set an training zone, with 16 local doctors trained during the medical activity.

"This is actually my first experience of this kind of service. Through the free clinic on the aircraft today, it has actually made it more professional and practical for the ordinary people. These devices on the plane can provide accurate diagnosis," said Li Lu, director of ophthalmology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University.

Flying clinic from Shanghai conducts medical diagnosis, training in Xinjiang

The organizing committee of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games has unveiled the titles, creative visions, and first talents of the opening and closing ceremonies, as Thursday marked 50 days before the event officially gets underway.

Scheduled from March 6 to 15 across multiple Italian cities, the Games will bring together 665 athletes from 50 countries and regions to compete for 79 gold medals across six sporting disciplines.

The opening ceremony, titled "Life in Motion," will be staged at the historic Arena di Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, presenting a tribute to change and transformation that seeks to redefine disability through a new harmony between people and the environment.

"I paid close attention to the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics, which I consider one of the three or four most beautiful in the history of Olympic ceremonies. This time at the ancient Arena di Verona, we will place greater emphasis on showcasing the human element," the ceremonies' artistic director Alfredo Accatino told a Chinese reporter at the event.

The closing ceremony, themed "Italian Souvenir," will be held on March 15 at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, guiding athletes, volunteers, and fans through a journey that captures the emotions and memories of the Games after days of competition and achievement.

Craig Spence, the International Paralympic Committee's Chief Brand and Communications Officer, believes that Italy will deliver "the best Paralympic Games" following the benchmark set by the Beijing Winter Paralympics in 2022.

"I think what China did in Beijing has really set the benchmark for all future teams competing in the Paralympic Winter Games in terms of performance. That's why I think Milano-Cortina will be the best Paralympic Games we've ever seen for sports," he said.

Milano-Cortina Paralympics reveal opening, closing themes as Games draw near