On the morning of February 26th, 2024, Chen Xiang, Executive Vice President of Central South University, Dean of Xiangya School of Medicine, and Director of the Fraternity Laboratory, warmly welcomed Vice Mayor Zhou Yanxi and her delegation from the People's Government of Xiangtan City. Both parties engaged in profound discussions and exchanges on collaborative empowerment and accelerating industrial development. The delegation included Deputy Secretary-General Li Jie from the Xiangtan City Government, Deputy Secretary and Director of the Party Working Committee of the Yuetai Economic Development Zone, Cui Wang, Deputy Director of the Science and Technology Bureau Cheng Xuejun, Deputy Director of the Health Commission Yang Zi, Deputy Director of the First Hospital of the City Wu Yongjun, Director Mo Long from the Domestic Cooperation Office of Central South University, Director Peng Shifang from the Medical Management Office, Vice Dean Huang Zhijun from Xiangya School of Medicine, Deputy Director Xiang Bo from the Fraternity Laboratory, and former President of the Xiangya Overseas Alumni Association Tan Jianyou.

During the meeting, Vice Mayor Zhou Yanxi briefed on the current status of the health sector in Xiangtan City, expressing hopes to strengthen cooperation with the Fraternity Laboratory. The discussion focused on promoting the expansion and distribution of high-quality medical resources from perspectives such as urban-rural linkage and public hospital management, thus facilitating the mutual development of the Fraternity Laboratory and health undertakings in Xiangtan. Cui Wang provided a detailed introduction to the location, resource, and platform advantages of the Yuetai Economic Development Zone, emphasizing the construction of a health and care industry cluster based on the concept of integrating industry with the city. Yang Zi reported on the reform and high-quality development of public hospitals, discussing the next steps in accelerating the construction of the Xiangtan City Urban Medical Group.

Chen Xiang pointed out that under the background of "big health," the "natural population cohort study" is a strategic project with contemporary significance and long-term benefits. It will play a significant role in health promotion, scientific research, and regional economic and social development. Chen suggested that both parties should leverage Xiangtan City's existing advantages in information technology to establish a natural population cohort, conduct long-term tracking and follow-up, and focus on disease prevention and control from various chronic disease perspectives. This approach aims to provide residents with more personalized and precise medical services, ultimately improving the average life expectancy. Additionally, Chen proposed the establishment of a smart medical center to further enhance and drive the development of related industries such as health services, health management, and health manufacturing, thereby assisting in local industrial upgrading and transformation.

Both parties used this negotiation as an opportunity to deepen communication and exchanges on a deeper level and in multiple dimensions, further deepening cooperation in industry, academia, and research. They aim to implement and yield more cooperative projects in Xiangtan, achieving higher levels of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.

(Reviewed by: Wang Zhixin, Li Ruijun, Xiang Bo)