Minister pays homage to medical staff at Xiaotangshan
( 2003-05-14 14:58 ) (9)

Cao Gangchuan, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and Chinese defense minister, paid homage to the medical workers of the Xiaotangshan Hospital in Beijing's northern suburbs Friday where more than 560 SARS patients are receiving treatment.

Cao also extended cordial greetings on behalf of the Chairman of the Central Military Commission Jiang Zemin and other senior military leaders to medical workers from around the country.

"Medical workers from the PLA and the Armed Police Force have made great contributions to the campaign against SARS," said the minister. "Their heroic spirit and unremitting efforts will lead to the final victory over the epidemic."

After listening to a report from the hospital's director, Zhang Yanling, Cao inspected the monitoring and observation room, and met several medical workers.

Cao pointed out that setting up the Xiaotangshan Hospital was a direct result of the decisions made by the Central Military Commission and Chairman Jiang Zemin. He expressed his confidence in the final victory over SARS and urged all medical staff to take proper measures to protect themselves while on duty.

Other senior military leaders from the CMC and officials from the Beijing municipal government were also present on the occasion.