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Zhao Wei, an oculist from Wuxi People's Hospital,?spends two years to see?patients in Africa. [Photo/Wuxi People's Hospital]

Zhao Wei, an oculist from Wuxi People's Hospital, was awarded the title of "Good Chinese Doctor" by the Chinese government in September for his selfless service to patients in Africa.

Zhao won the award after serving as part of the 26th Chinese Medical Team in Zanzibar, a part of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Medical conditions there are extremely tough, according to Zhao.

"There are over one million people on Zanzibar Island and the Pemba Island. However, there is only one hospital where ocular surgery can be performed. What's worse, us Chinese doctors are the only ones qualified to conduct such operations," said Zhao.

Tens of thousands of people on Zanzibar Island suffer from cataracts. Though the surgery costs only some $12, large numbers of people can't afford it.

Zhao sought cooperation with a local disabled person's federation to provide free treatment to avoid a further deterioration in the situation. He also advocated basic sanitary knowledge to prevent the spread of eye diseases on Zanzibar.

During his two-year stint in Africa, Zhao treated more than 10,000 outpatients and conducted approximately 2,100 operations, more than twice the total number of ocular surgeries performed by the previous medical team. To help more patients, Zhao always skipped dinner and stayed up late.

"If I had any regrets, that would be the time I had to spend away from my family," said Zhao.

His father passed away right before his departure two years ago. His mother suffers from paralysis caused by a stroke six years ago. Also, his son is preparing to sit the college entrance examination, a hugely stressful rite of passage for young Chinese that can have an enormous impact on their life chances.

"I can't abandon my patients, nor can I abandon my responsibilities. When my country needs me, I am there," said Zhao.