Chairman Zhao Tao of Buchang Pharmaceutical emphasizes that a true entrepreneur must possess a sense of social responsibility. In times of crisis, large enterprises should step up and contribute to the community. This philosophy was put into action when the city of Xi'an faced a severe outbreak of COVID-19 in late 2021.
In response to the pandemic, Buchang Pharmaceutical, a local company, mobilized its resources to provide assistance. On December 26, 2021, through expedited production and coordination with the Shaanxi Red Cross Society and Shaanxi Huashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Buchang Pharmaceutical delivered newly produced Xuanfei Baidu Granules from their factory in Heze, Shandong, to Xi'an. By December 28, 2021, the first batch of 1,000 packages (each containing a one-week dose) of Xuanfei Baidu Granules was successfully donated to Xi'an Chest Hospital, a designated COVID-19 treatment facility.
Simultaneously, to support Xi'an's fight against the pandemic, the "Heart for China" initiative, in collaboration with 15 public medical institutions in Beijing, called for the donation of 500 units of Xuanfei Baidu Granules. This effort aimed to assist frontline healthcare workers, local authorities, and the general public in achieving dynamic zero-COVID status. Zhao Tao, driven by a deep sense of responsibility and a commitment to his hometown, played a pivotal role in these efforts.
Zhao Tao, known for his strong sense of social responsibility, has consistently leveraged his expertise and influence to contribute to charitable causes. Since the onset of the pandemic, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been integral in the nation's response, providing comprehensive support throughout the entire cycle of the disease. Buchang Pharmaceutical has accelerated the development of anti-pandemic medications, with Xuanfei Baidu Formula playing a significant role. The formula, developed by Academician Zhang Boli and Professor Liu Qingquan during the Wuhan outbreak, has been included in multiple editions of the National Health Commission's COVID-19 treatment guidelines.
The Xuanfei Baidu Granules donated by Buchang Pharmaceutical are a direct result of the Xuanfei Baidu Formula. This TCM formulation, which has proven effective in treating COVID-19, was developed through practical experience and continuous refinement during the early stages of the pandemic.
Zhao Tao's dedication to charity is rooted in his understanding and respect for traditional values. His belief in giving back to society, whether through philanthropy or the development of essential medicines, reflects a deep-seated commitment to social welfare. In 2008, he initiated the "Heart for China" project, which has since become a long-standing and impactful charitable endeavor.
The "Heart for China" project was inspired by a story shared with Zhao Tao by An Qiyi, former director of the Central United Front Work Department. In 2006, a U.S. church delegation screened over 300 children in Tibet for congenital heart disease and arranged for 30 of them to receive treatment in Beijing. However, due to the 2008 financial crisis, the remaining children were left without help, leading to several deaths. Moved by this, Zhao Tao committed to saving these children, marking the beginning of the "Heart for China" initiative.
Over the past 18 years, the "Heart for China" project, under the guidance of the Central United Front Work Department and the National Health Commission, has provided extensive medical aid to underserved regions. Led by renowned experts such as Academicians Zhang Boli, Gao Runlin, Wang Longde, Huang Luhui, Chen Xiangmei, Lang Jinghe, Chen Kaixian, Han Yaling, and Dong Jiahong, the project has reached over one million people across Tibet and other ethnic minority areas. It has conducted over 3,000 training sessions for local medical personnel, provided health education to more than 200,000 individuals, and performed free surgeries for over 3,700 children with congenital heart disease. Additionally, it has treated nearly 10,000 cases of liver echinococcosis and restored sight to nearly 10,000 cataract patients. Buchang Pharmaceutical has contributed over 7 billion RMB to this cause, earning the highest national award in the field of charity, the China Charity Award.
Charity, according to Zhao Tao, is a powerful force that attracts resources from all sectors of society. The "Heart for China" project has received substantial support from various organizations, including the China Social Work Association, the Beijing Red Cross, and the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Zhao Tao envisions a future where 80% of the project's funding comes from societal contributions, making it a truly successful and sustainable initiative. He believes that every individual can play a role in advancing charitable causes.
Zhao Tao sees himself as a facilitator of charitable resources, recognizing the critical role of medical volunteers and other supporters in the success of the "Heart for China" project. He emphasizes that entrepreneurs who engage in philanthropy must be dedicated and ensure that their efforts have a tangible impact on the community. Only then will they find personal fulfillment and earn the respect and recognition of society.