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Renowned Chinese epidemiologist Zhong Nanshan praised the young generation’s spirit in making contributions to the people and the country, as the number of high school graduates who expressed interest in medicine jumped significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

At a conference highlighting advanced deeds during the COVID-19 pandemic in South China's Guangdong Province, Zhong said the nine-month battle against the pandemic inspired more young people to understand that one’s lifelong pursuit is to make contributions to the people and the country.

According to the Education department of Guangdong province, the number of high school students who expressed interest in pursuing medicine after the National College Entrance Examination, known as the Gaokao, has jumped, with a year-on-year increase of 3,778. The admission score also rose by 27 points compared to last year’s.

“These young people applied to take medicine because they recognize the value of being a doctor”, Zhong said.

(Compiled by Liu Tianzi)