Dr. Richard H. Hart, chairman of the board of directors of the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, was awarded the 2016 annual " Chinese Government Friendship Award "

By Zhan Yilei 

The Chinese government Friendship Award is the Chinese government’s way of recognizing those individuals who assisted China toward modernization and reform.  It further distinguishes and pays tribute to foreign experts who made outstanding contributions and grants them this highest honor award. The "Friendship Award" winner is bestowed after relevant government units and ministries of the State Council make their recommendations. The State Bureau of Foreign Experts compiles a number of candidates for the "Friendship Award" Committee to review. They carefully assess whether to vote for each candidate in accordance with strict guidelines and standards.

Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital affiliated with Zhejiang University, School of Medicine was pleased to nominate board of directors chairman Dr Richard H. Hart. He led the American institution, Loma Linda University Health, twenty years and worked from the first day to modernize Chinese medical development with selfless good deeds. After numerous reviews at the provincial and national ministries level, it was revealed that Dr. Hart himself is a 2016 recipient this distinguished honor, "Chinese Government Friendship Award.” A total of 50 foreign experts from 18 countries received the Friendship Award this year.

From September 29, 2016 to October 1st, Dr. Richard Hart and his wife were in Beijing to participate in a series of activities as invited by the Chinese government.

The morning of September 29th, Dr. Hart attended a conference of "Foreign Expert Advice", sponsored by the State Bureau.  This meeting aimed to bring together the outstanding foreign experts, to provide reference for scientific decision-making by the Chinese government. Dr. Hart spoke at the meeting and put forward valuable construction plans for the future development of China's medical service industry.

The afternoon of September 29^th, the 2016 annual Chinese Government Friendship Awards ceremony was held in the Zhongnanhai. Ma Kai, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice premier of the State Council, attended and spoke at the time to thank all the prize winners.

Ma Kai, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice premier of the State Council, awarded the honorary medal and certificate to Dr. Hart.

The afternoon of September 30^th, Dr. Hart, along with all the other foreign experts and their families, met with Premier Li Keqiang in the Great Hall of the People. Premier Li Keqiang first congratulated the award recipients and delivered a speech. Then Premier Li Keqiang, Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli and Vice Premier Ma Kai assembled with the award-winning foreign experts and their families for a photo.

The evening of September 30^th, Dr. Hart and all the foreign experts and their families were invited to participate in the 2016 People's Republic of China National Day reception. That night, they had a joyous gathering with Chinese party and state leaders and more than 1200 Chinese and foreign dignitaries to celebrate the birthday of the republic.

During the meeting, the recital of good deeds by Dr. Hart and the USA’s Loma Linda University not only touched the participating leaders and experts, but also attracted the interest of the talent information research center, the magazine editor for "China’s National Bureau of International Talent Exchange" and the national English language newspaper, "China Daily" Reporters for the two institutions requested a special interview with Dr. Hart during the event.

Dr. Hart, who has a humble and noble soul, expressed his love for China's land, and was delighted with the achievements made by Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital affiliated to the Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China. He and his team will continue to help Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, and he expects that SRRSH will always be an innovative leader for medicine in China.  

Dr. Hart is a close friend of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital and also a goodwill ambassador to the people of Hangzhou and the Chinese people. It is always worthy for us to bear in mind that he and his leadership at America’s Loma Linda University Health have contributed greatly to the modernization of medical service here in China and we give him our thanks!