Chapter 154: Establishment of a vaccine research team and the daily life of the 'barefoot doctor'
"So fast?"

Wang Mengde asked with some surprise.

It has been just over four months since the first measles vaccine was developed.

The country actually has to produce it in large quantities and vaccinate all infants and children in the country.

This is too fast.

Although he was not in the medical industry in his previous life, he had heard about it, except in special circumstances, such as when the epidemic was out of control.

Most newly developed drugs or vaccines must undergo rigorous and long-term clinical trials.

Only after the test results are qualified and approved by relevant departments can the product be put on the market.

Generally, this period of time will last for several years.

"That's not too fast. After more than four months of clinical trials, it has been proven that the vaccine you developed is effective and has few side effects."

Dean Lu said with a smile.

After hearing what he said, Wang Mengde didn't say anything more.

What he didn't know was that in the original history, the measles vaccine that was successfully developed in China in 1955 or 1960 was also administered to children the following year.

In this era, there are not so many regulations.

"By the way, the measles vaccine you developed starts to produce antibodies one week after injection and reaches its peak in one month. The positive conversion rate is over 1%, and those with positive antibody conversion can be free from the disease.

This means that as long as everyone is vaccinated with this vaccine, at least 95% of the human body will produce antibodies, which will form population immunity and block the spread of the measles virus.

Maybe measles, a disease that has been prevalent for thousands of years, will be eradicated in our generation. Even if we can’t completely eradicate it, we can prevent it from spreading.”

Dean Lu said excitedly again.

For him, it is a happy thing to witness the diseases that have plagued people for thousands of years being conquered one by one.

Therefore, he looked at the young man in front of him with special favor and appreciation.

Moreover, a few days ago, when a meeting was held in China and the decision was made to send a working group for foreign aid, the superior leaders praised the Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine very much.

At the same time, he was praised by name, saying that he was good at cultivating young talents.

It is foreseeable that once the foreign aid working group achieves results in the prevention and control of schistosomiasis abroad, it will enhance the country's image and bring benefits to the country.

By then, the names of Wang Mengde and the Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine will be mentioned more frequently by the leaders.

At one side, Pu Lao pinched his beard, looking somewhat proud. He was very pleased that his talented disciple had achieved so many achievements.

Thinking of some old friends, who would always show a sour expression every time they met, he felt secretly happy.

"Dean, I heard that the measles vaccine developed by Meng De and his team is the first in the world?"

"Haha, Mr. Pu, this matter has been confirmed. I mentioned this matter after reporting to my superiors a few months ago.

After investigation by relevant units, it was discovered that the measles vaccine we developed was indeed the first in the world. It had not been reported at the time because it had not been clinically tested.

Now that it has passed the clinical trials, the country has naturally decided to announce this matter.

It is used to boost morale and let the public know that our country can also be the first to research world-leading drugs and vaccines, and that Chinese people are no worse than others.”

Dean Lu explained, and then said to Wang Mengde:

"Comrade Wang Mengde, in a few days, the country's largest newspaper will come to interview you. You can make some preparations in advance."

"Yes, Dean."

Wang Mengde also said happily.

He's going to be in the newspapers again.

In recent years, he has appeared in newspapers most frequently, becoming one of the people other than the leaders.

Moreover, he also planned to let several of his junior brothers and sisters show up at that time.

Even if you can't put the photos in the newspaper, you have to mention their names in it.

In this way, not only will it not affect him, but it will also make his junior brothers and sisters grateful to him. They will work harder in the future and will be more loyal to him.

“This is one thing. The second thing is that the superiors want Comrade Wang Mengde and several other people to jointly set up a vaccine research and development team with the Beijing Institute of Biological Products.

This team will be responsible for developing various vaccines in the future, and its office will be located not far from our research institute.

Comrade Wang Mengde, your superiors have indicated that you will serve as deputy leader of the vaccine development team. Your main task will be to provide suggestions and research directions to the team. On weekdays, you should still focus on the work of the Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Of course, if it is you who provided the advice and research direction, once other vaccines are successfully developed, you will still get the lion's share of the credit. What do you think?"

After chatting for a few more words, President Lu brought up the second thing.

This was the result of his efforts. Originally, his superiors wanted Wang Mengde to be fully responsible for the development of the vaccine, and the focus in the future should also be on the development of the vaccine.

After hearing this, he almost jumped up in fright.

This decision is intended to cut off the roots of traditional Chinese medicine and the Chinese Medical Research Institute.

Although developing a vaccine is also an important task, Wang Mengde is different from others.

Not to mention anything else, many of the research results in the past few years have greatly contributed to the development of traditional Chinese medicine and have also made leaders pay more attention to traditional Chinese medicine.

In the future, as you grow older and gain more knowledge, there will definitely be more achievements.

It can be said that he is the hope for the revitalization of traditional Chinese medicine.

If we focus most of our attention on developing vaccines in the future, other research will be neglected.

He still hopes that Wang Mengde can continue to achieve results.

Therefore, President Lu did not care about anything else and started arguing directly with his superiors and the leaders of the Beijing Institute of Biological Products.

The final result is that Wang Mengde will still be in the vaccine research team, but the focus of his work will continue to be on the Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

"Dean, I have no other objections. Originally, I didn't spend much time in the laboratory for the development of the measles vaccine. Several of my junior colleagues were conducting the experiments based on my plan and ideas.

After the vaccine development team was established, my working method did not change and it had little impact on my other research. "

Wang Mengde agreed first, and then put forward a suggestion:
"There is just one problem. Except for one of my junior brothers and sisters who graduated from the School of Pharmacy, the others don't have the basic knowledge.

If they join the vaccine research team, it may be detrimental to future development. Do you think we should not let them join the vaccine research team? "

"Well, the problem you mentioned does exist. I will communicate with my superiors and the Beijing Institute of Biological Products. It shouldn't be a big problem.

The Beijing City Biological Products Research Institute would like everyone except you to be from their institute."

Dean Lu thought about it and agreed.

Everyone can see clearly that among those who participated in the development of the measles vaccine, except Wang Mengde, the others are not the main ones and can be completely replaced.

Moreover, these students of Mr. Pu were selected by "President Zhou" himself. If they were wasted, it would not be good for anyone.

What's more, these students, following the lead of a talented senior brother and being influenced by him, may grow up to become the pillars of traditional Chinese medicine in the future.

After coming out of Dean Lu’s office.

Wang Mengde and Pu Lao talked as they walked, and the main topic of their conversation was what the future path should be for their fellow junior brothers and sisters.

“Sir, they are all very enthusiastic about learning and have good talents. Even if their future achievements cannot compare to yours, they can still compare to Brother Zhixiao.

Some of them will stay in research institutes, while others will go to large hospitals. Within 20 years, they will become experts in these hospitals.”

"Haha, it's hard for them not to excel with a senior like you."

Pu Lao said happily. Now, these students are basically led by Wang Mengde, and he is also happy and relaxed.

Occasionally, when I feel like it, I will call them over to teach or examine them, and I find that their growth rate is beyond my expectations.

Back to the office.

Just sat in the chair, thinking about things.

Sun Xiaoru knocked on the door and walked in.

"Brother, you are back."

"Well, I just got back. By the way, call everyone over. I have something to tell you."

Wang Mengde ordered.

"Okay, I'll go right away."

Having said that, Sun Xiaoru turned around and walked quickly to the next office.

Soon, several people came.

Glancing at them, Wang Mengde smiled and said, "Let me tell you a good news first. In a few days, the largest newspaper in the country will interview me about the measles vaccine.

When the time comes, I will ask you to come with me. I guess, even if you can't show your face, at least your name will appear in the newspaper."

After saying that, he leaned back in his chair with a smile on his face and looked at the people in front of him.

In the office, after a few seconds of silence, it was broken by various cheers.

Not only did several people show expressions of ecstasy on their faces, they also expressed their gratitude loudly and simultaneously.

Among them, Sun Xiaoru and Zhang Qiaoyu had the loudest voices.

"Long live my brother."

"Thank you, Senior Brother. Woohoo, I'm going to be in the newspaper too."

"Great, we are going to be famous too, Brother, you are the best."

Of course, there were also people who were so excited that they were speechless. They could only look at Wang Mengde with tears in their eyes and gratitude.

A few minutes later, when everyone's excitement had subsided, Wang Mengde pressed his hand down, signaling everyone to be quiet, and then continued:

"In addition to this matter, there is another matter, that is, the higher authorities are preparing to set up a vaccine development team, and I will serve as the deputy leader.

Except for Junior Brother Huang, none of you have any experience before, so I didn't recommend you to join this group. In the future, Junior Brother Huang will have to work harder and run back and forth.

Everyone else, just concentrate on studying with me at the Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and stop distracting yourself with vaccine research."

The reason why we asked them to participate before was mainly because there was no one we could trust, and we also wanted to keep the benefits within the family, so we let some of our junior brothers and sisters take advantage of it.

"Brother, I will follow your arrangements."

As the eldest brother among the group, Li Xiang was the first to speak.

"Yes, brother, we will follow your arrangements."

Several other people also spoke in unison.

They know their own business. The biggest reason for the successful development of the measles vaccine is that this senior brother provided detailed research direction and experimental steps.

Everyone is doing the experiments step by step. Even if they are not there, it would be fine to just find a student from the medical school to come.

Moreover, by following my senior brothers in the future, I can not only learn things but also have more opportunities.

As for Huang Sizhong, he nodded vigorously with a look of gratitude.

He was not good at expressing himself, but in his heart, he firmly remembered the kindness of his senior brother.

At the same time, I secretly encouraged myself that it would be more difficult to run between the two in the future, and I must not fall behind in the study of traditional Chinese medicine.

Seeing that everyone had no objection, Wang Mengde smiled with satisfaction.

Time soon came to late April.

Early in the morning, Zhou Xiaoli came to Tiangezhuang, where his aunt Zhou Lingling lived, carrying a wooden medicine box.

Tiange Village.

Thanks to the growth of wild vegetables and various vegetables, the villagers can now barely get half full.

Of course, forget about nutrition.

"Gu."

Zhou Xiaoli pushed open the gate, stuck his head inside and shouted.

"Hey, Xiaoli is here. Did you just come back from the county town?"

Zhou Lingling came out of the main room and saw that it was her nephew from her mother's family. She asked with a smile.

Her nephew was selected to attend training in Changping County last year because he studied hard during the literacy campaign.

It is said that he learned very well.

"Aunt, I graduated yesterday. After I come back this time, I will go to several nearby villages to treat patients."

Zhou Xiaoli said with a smile.

Last year, when his village found him and wanted him to go to the county to study medicine, he was a little hesitant, thinking that he would only study for a year or two and might not even learn the basics.

Pure waste of time and energy.

It was this aunt who asked others for help, analyzed the situation carefully, and finally made up his mind.

He arrived at the county town with a nervous mood, only to find that this study was completely different from what he had imagined.

As long as you can read and put in some effort, you can learn it.

So, with his slightly smart brain and hard work, after more than half a year of cramming, he successfully graduated.

"Oh, Xiaoli, you're a doctor now, that's great."

Zhou Lingling said in surprise.

"Haha, auntie, I just learned it.

By the way, I want to find the village captain, can you take me there?"

Zhou Xiaoli got down to business.

When he graduated, before returning from the county town, he received a task, which was to vigorously promote the benefits of measles vaccination.

After the vaccine is produced and transported here, we will also organize vaccination for infants and young children in each village.

After arriving at the captain's home and explaining the situation, we went to the brigade headquarters under the captain's leadership and publicized the matter several times via the radio.

After the propaganda was over, he carried his medicine box and started wandering around several surrounding villages.

Whenever he encountered a patient, he would carefully take out the crimson-covered "Barefoot Doctor's Manual" from the medicine box and read it while treating the patient.

There are thousands of barefoot doctors who have received half a year of training and are doing the same thing as him.

With only a handful of grass, a needle and a can, they are half farmer and half doctor, and have taken root in rural areas.

(End of this chapter)