Two-year-old Nieco Vince De los Santos with his father Herdie (sitting on a wheelchair) and mother Editha during their arrival at the NAIA Terminal 1, on March 11,2025. They were joined by Dr. Billy James Uy, Dr. Sammy Cunanan, Dr. Samuel Ang, Teresita Ang Sy, Chairman Antonio Tan, and personnel of the Bureau of Immigration.
In a groundbreaking milestone for Philippines-China medical and surgical cooperation, the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center (CGHMC) successfully arranged the first pediatric liver transplant for a two-year-old Filipino patient performed at the Renji Hospital in Shanghai, China.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in providing life-saving treatments and in advancing medical collaboration between the two institutions.
The patient, a two-year-old infant with biliary atresia, underwent the transplant with his father serving as the liver donor.
The procedure, performed on February 11, 2025, was led by Dr. Xia Qiang, a hepatic surgeon and President of Renji Hospital, and was closely monitored by a medical team from CGHMC to ensure a smooth operation.
Following the surgery, the patient remained at Renji Hospital for observation before being accompanied back home to continue his recovery at the CGHMC.
A strong partnership for medical advancement
This landmark achievement is a result of a Medical Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in May 2024 between the CGHMC and Renji Hospital.
The agreement, which followed a series of exchange of visits between the two institutions, formalized their collaboration in liver transplantation, physician training, technology exchange, and clinical cooperation.
Renji Hospital, recognized as one of the world's leading institutions in pediatric liver transplantation, had successfully performed over 3,800 pediatric liver transplants in the past five years. Its expertise had played a crucial role in supporting CGHMC's goal of establishing pediatric liver transplant capabilities locally in the Philippines.
The Renji Hospital will continue to provide technical guidance and supervision as the CGHMC works toward performing these procedures independently.
A collective effort to save lives
This initiative was made possible through the joint sponsorship of the CGHMC and Mindray, under the coordination of Philmed Dynasty Corp. Additionally, Teresita Ang-See, founding president of Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran, played a key role in facilitating the visa applications and necessary documentation of the child and his parents, ensuring a smooth entry to China.
Beyond the medical impact, this successful transplant coincided with the 50th anniversary of China-Philippines-China diplomatic relations, strengthening the bond between the two nations. It serves as a model for future healthcare collaborations, offering new hope to Filipino patients in need of critical medical treatment.
The CGHMC said it remains committed to expanding its liver transplant program and enhancing healthcare services for Filipino patients.
With continued support from Renji Hospital, it is determined to bring more life-saving procedures to the Philippines, opening a new chapter in international medical cooperation.