A ceremony marks the establishment of Inner Mongolia’s first medical rescue team to help fight the novel coronavirus epidemic in Hubei. It was held at the Third Hospital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on the evening of Feb 9. [Photo/chinanews.com]

North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region sent its first medical rescue team to help fight the novel coronavirus epidemic in Hubei on the evening of Feb 9, according to local officials.

The rescue team was formed in the afternoon on the same day and consisted of five ambulance drivers and five emergency nurses. They went to Hubei to carry out the transfer of critically ill patients, officials added.

The team members were from the International Traditional Mongolian Medicine Hospital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the Third Hospital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and the Cancer Hospital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

“After the epidemic outbreak, I made preparations to go to Hubei at any time.” said Li Weina, assistant chief nurse of the Third Hospital of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

“Although our team was formed in a hurry, I still believe we can triumph in the fight against the virus,” she added.

To date, Inner Mongolia has sent a total of 253 medical staff to Hubei: a medical team consisting of 139 people, a four-member strong disease prevention and control team, a nursing medical team totaling 100 and a medical rescue team consisting of 10 people.