key: cord-0907914-n4280gmp
authors: Yang, Mei; Xu, Zhe
title: 2019 CoV Brings a Novel Relationship between Patients and Health Workers in China
date: 2020-09-15
journal: Health Policy Technol
DOI: 10.1016/j.hlpt.2020.09.005
sha: 53ba89b821cab974b1a148f8614ac4eb76550574
doc_id: 907914
cord_uid: n4280gmp

nan

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More than 43,000 health care workers from provinces around China rushed to Wuhan to join the fight. They worked day and night regardless of their own safety, regardless of compensation, as shining examples of humanity's finest efforts. They showed the world that they are not failing the vows they took as medical professionals. Meanwhile, the news media reported these stories in trying to promote a positive environment of public opinion, and titles such as 'Hero of Our Time' and 'Angel in White' have reappeared.

Ironically, the virus has led to reconciliation and compromise between doctors and patients, as there are no concerns about the cost of treatment since the government pays the bills. There has been little violence against health professionals during this critical time, though there have been a few instances of patients spitting on staff and interfering with medical staff's protective gear. On February 8 th , Government Ministries issued another law to further protect health care workers, which called for strict prevention and control of all kinds of medical-related illegal and criminal acts during the period of the epidemic virus battle [2].

At present, ensuring the safety of medical personnel and maintaining normal medical order is a key defence which we need to win epidemic prevention and control battle. The fight against COVID-19 suggests that although socio-economic status and income can be root causes of a seeming conflict between patients and doctors, government free medical care policies may be effective in changing the situation. We are thrilled to see patients and doctors standing together. Run to the rescue with love, and peace will follow. We applaud the Lancet's Editors in promoting the safety of medical workers in China.

Protecting Chinese doctors