Cihan University–Erbil Assistant Lecturer Participates in International Training Program on Primary Healthcare in China
As part of the international training program entitled ‘Capacity Building for Primary Health Care Services in Developing Countries,’ Assistant Lecturer Hero Ismael Mohammed, a faculty member in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Cihan University-Erbil, participated in a series of specialized scientific and clinical activities in Chengdu, China, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
The scientific program featured a keynote presentation by Mr. Zhang Guo, Director of the Chengdu Jinniu District People’s Hospital, entitled ‘Aligning National Needs with Public Demand: Exchanging Experiences on the Jinniu Model for Hierarchical Diagnosis and Treatment.’
Historical Evolution and Operational Capacity
In the first segment, Mr. Zhang Guo highlighted the development of Jinniu District People’s Hospital. He explained that the new campus, established in 2018, covers approximately 150,000 square meters and employs 900 medical specialists. The facility plays a critical role in regional healthcare, with its emergency department alone treating approximately 650,000 patients annually, demonstrating its strong administrative and clinical capacity.
Health-Seeking Behavior and the Referral System
The seminar further examined health-seeking behaviors in China and highlighted the public’s traditional preference for tertiary hospitals over primary healthcare centers. A key focus of China’s healthcare reform was the development of an efficient referral system to balance patient loads across different levels of care. Statistical evidence demonstrated the success of the Jinniu Model, with structured referrals increasing from 238 cases in 2018 to 1,622 cases in 2025, alongside the rapid expansion of telemedicine services.
Financial Sustainability and Field Visits
Mr. Zhang Guo also discussed budget management, explaining that the hospital’s annual revenue reached RMB 490 million, while government funding accounted for only 10% of its total financial requirements. This financial structure has necessitated sustainable operational strategies to advance medical technologies and meet the growing demand for healthcare services.
Following the seminar, Assistant Lecturer Hero Ismael Mohammed participated in field visits to integrated healthcare centers. At Jinniu District People’s Hospital, participants were introduced to the Medical Alliance System and the digitalized two-way referral system.
The itinerary also included a visit to the Xihua Community Health Service Center, highlighting the essential role of community-based healthcare. The delegation toured specialized units, including pediatrics, vaccination, physiotherapy, and psychology. Assistant Lecturer Hero Ismael Mohammed emphasized that these visits provided valuable professional insights through firsthand observation of successful healthcare integration models. She noted that this experience is expected to enrich academic activities at Cihan University-Erbil and support future initiatives aimed at improving primary healthcare systems.
