He Xinglong with his award at the ceremony on March 16. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

He Xinglong, a rural doctor from Linfen, Shanxi province, received an award from the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) and China Central Television (CCTV) on March 16, for his devotion to medical work in rural areas.

At the age of 20, he gave up the opportunity to work at the county hospital and became a rural doctor in his hometown, a state-recognized impoverished area.

"I would not have received my higher education without the financial support of my fellow villagers," said He. "I must come back and help them."

During the past 17 years, he has taken care of patients in 28 villages over three counties on his motorcycle and is always on call , regardless of weather conditions.

He exempts medical costs for poor families, which have accumulated to over 350,000 yuan ($50,855).

Born into a poor family, He was moved by villagers' difficulties in obtaining medical treatment and resolved to become a doctor when he was a child.

At the awards ceremony, he expressed his gratitude for a training course provided by the NHFPC.

"I will work hard to improve my professional skills and better serve my fellow villagers," he said.