On April 28, Russian businessman Ilya underwent hernia surgery alone at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Yuexiu District in Guangzhou. He speaks only Russian and very little English and Chinese. Earlier bad experiences seeking medical help abroad had left him anxious, but this time it was different.
The hospital quickly activated its protocol for foreign patients. Staff used translation apps and gestures to communicate, and even set up a WeChat group to help with meals and daily necessities. After the operation, Dr. Yuan Zhenshan told him via a phone translation app, "The surgery went smoothly."
Ilya, who joined a local dragon boat team, had discovered the hernia during training. Despite the language barrier, he recovered well with attentive care and was discharged on April 30. At a follow-up on May 2, the wound had healed completely. Deeply grateful, he wanted to present a silk banner to the team, but Dr. Yuan declined, saying, "It's our duty."
Ilya shared through the translation app: "Here, I am not just a 'foreigner,' but a patient treated seriously and a family member being looked after with care." These ordinary details built a bridge of trust and gave him a strong sense of security, showing Guangzhou's truest hospitality.
Source: Guangzhou Daily
