In recent years, an increasing number of international visitors have chosen to travel to China, with "China Travel" trending worldwide. This surge has not only brought a growing influx of global tourists but also tested the capacity of Chinese medical institutions to deliver cross-border healthcare services.

Recently, an elderly Indonesian tourist visiting Guangzhou suffered a lumbar fracture after an accidental fall. She was successfully treated by the orthopaedic team at Guangdong Pharmaceutical University Guangzhou Fuxing Chancheng Hospital (Guangzhou Xinshi Hospital), underwent surgery, recovered smoothly, and was discharged—able to continue her journey across China.

An Unexpected Fracture: "China Travel" Suddenly Interrupted

Seventy-year-old JEN (pseudonym) chose to spend the New Year holiday visiting Guangzhou. While exiting the Baiyun Railway Station, she was carrying heavy luggage when she suddenly experienced severe lower back pain. She was transported by ambulance to Guangdong Pharmaceutical University Guangzhou Fuxing Chancheng Hospital, where orthopaedic examination confirmed an L1 vertebral fracture.

“We determined that JEN had pre-existing osteoporosis, and the excessive load from carrying heavy luggage during her trip caused the lumbar fracture,” explained Dr. Ying Wenkui, Director of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Faced with sudden injury and an unfamiliar medical environment, JEN was initially uncertain. “I'd heard that medical standards vary across countries. Would the surgical outcome and postoperative recovery meet expectations? What if it disrupted the rest of my trip?”

Upon learning of her concerns, the orthopaedic team promptly activated their response protocol. Dr. Ying addressed JEN’s questions in detail, outlining a comprehensive treatment plan that included personalized pain management and a clear postoperative rehabilitation protocol with key milestones. After speaking with fellow patients in the ward and carefully considering her options, JEN decided to undergo surgery at the hospital.

A Thoughtful Decision: Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Guangzhou

Following thorough preoperative assessment, Dr. Ying and his surgical team successfully completed the procedure in just one hour. On the same day of surgery, JEN was already able to walk. She remarked, “I never imagined that China's medical technology had advanced so rapidly.”

JEN's attending physician, Dr. Huang Haitian, also assisted her in completing insurance documentation, facilitating a smooth reimbursement process. JEN is of Chinese-Indonesian background and is conversational in Mandarin, but encountered difficulties with specialized medical terminology. Nurse Manager Xin Xiaoxia of the Orthopaedic Department used AI tools—including Doubao and DeepSeek—to assist with translation and ensure clear communication. Postoperatively, Dr. Huang carefully instructed JEN on the proper use of a professional lumbar brace and provided guidance on travel precautions.

“From the ambulance ride to hospital admission, surgery, and recovery—I’ve felt so much support from so many people here. Thank you all,” JEN said.

A Farewell of Gratitude: “Chinese Doctors Deserve to Be Seen”

On the day of her discharge, JEN took a group photo with the medical team. “You healed my pain with your medical expertise, and soothed my anxiety with your sincere care. Chinese doctors deserve to be seen and recognized!”

Thanks to timely and appropriate treatment, JEN’s travel itinerary was not disrupted. She went on to visit several of Guangzhou’s iconic landmarks, including the Canton Tower and Baiyun Mountain, before safely returning to Indonesia.

As the year-end travel peak season continues, Dr. Ying Wenkui reminds travellers to prepare a small first-aid kit containing band-aids, alcohol wipes, and essential medications. If travelling with elderly family members, special attention should be given to fall prevention, and an adequate supply of daily medications should be carried. In the event of an accident, seek help promptly; if the situation is serious, immediate medical attention is essential.