STORY: Free surgeries bring new life to Mongolia's elderly, children
SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 23, 2025
DATELINE: Jan. 25, 2025
LENGTH: 00:01:21
LOCATION: Ulan Bator
CATEGORY: POLITICS/HEALTHCARE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the event 
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Mongolian): BAT-ULZII, Former recipient of free surgery
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Mongolian): TSERENDULAM ALTANNARAN, Mother of a former recipient of free surgery
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Mongolian): BATBILEG SHIKHIKHUTAG, Former recipient of free surgery
5. photos of former recipients of the surgeries

STORYLINE:
   
Since 2017, Chinese doctors have performed free heart surgeries for Mongolian children with congenital conditions under the "Angels Tour -- Belt and Road Humanitarian Assistance Program for Children with Severe Diseases" project. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Mongolian Red Cross Society (MRCS) and the Chinese Red Cross Foundation (CRCF).

Similarly, since 2019, the "The Belt and Road -- Brightness Trip" project has facilitated free cataract surgeries for elderly Mongolians, further underscoring the spirit of international solidarity and care.
   
On Thursday, representatives of former recipients of these life-changing surgeries gathered at the MRCS headquarters in Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia, to meet with Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia Shen Minjuan, conveying their heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable medical assistance that has transformed countless lives through these initiatives.
    
SOUNDBITE 1 (Mongolian): BAT-ULZII, Former recipient of free surgery
"Before the surgery, I could barely see anything, whether near or far. But after the procedure, my eyesight had been completely restored."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Mongolian): TSERENDULAM ALTANNARAN, Mother of a former recipient of free surgery
"For many years, I couldn't afford to have my son undergo surgery due to financial difficulties. Fortunately, I am overjoyed that the Chinese doctors performed the surgery completely free of charge."
  
SOUNDBITE 3 (Mongolian): BATBILEG SHIKHIKHUTAG, Former recipient of free surgery
"Before the surgery, I used to sweat a lot, and many activities were limited due to my heart condition. For example, I couldn't participate in sports. But after the surgery, I can play any sport I wanted." 
   
According to the MRCS, around 150 Mongolian children with congenital heart defects have received heart surgery through the "Angels Tour" project.
  
Meanwhile, 540 elderly individuals have benefited from cataract surgery under the "Brightness Trip" project.
   
In this way, Chinese projects are bringing hope and light to the lives of Mongolia's elderly and children, offering them vital medical care and a brighter future.
   
These initiatives not only improve individual lives but also strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between China and Mongolia.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Ulan Bator.
(XHTV)