2019 CoV brings a novel relationship between patients and health workers in China.

Dear Editor,

Recently, the Lancet Editor expressed concerns about increasingly violent incidents committed against health workers in China, particularly the tragedy of Dr. Wen Yang who was murdered at her workplace. We appreciate the Lancet Editor's advocating protection for Chinese doctors [1].

In fact, over the past decade, the Chinese government has issued a series of laws to promote the stability of the medical practice environment, but the implementation has been difficult, with little impact. However, things seem to have changed after the COVID-19 outbreak. The response to the novel coronavirus has united doctors and patients on the anti-viral battlefield in several ways. First, medical staff have enjoyed higher social status because of huge professional demand. Second, medical workers have earned the respect and admiration of the entire society through their selfless devotion, sacrifice and fearless spirit of service and duty to their patients.

More than 43,000 health care workers from provinces around China rushed to Wuhan to join the fight. They worked day and night regardless of their own safety, regardless of compensation, as shining examples of humanity's finest efforts. They showed the world that they are not failing the vows they took as medical professionals. Meanwhile, the news media reported these stories in trying to promote a positive environment of public opinion, and titles such as ‘Hero of Our Time’ and ’Angel in White’ have reappeared.

Ironically, the virus has led to reconciliation and compromise between doctors and patients, as there are no concerns about the cost of treatment since the government pays the bills. There has been little violence against health professionals during this critical time, though there have been a few instances of patients spitting on staff and interfering with medical staff's protective gear. On February 8th, Government Ministries issued another law to further protect health care workers, which called for strict prevention and control of all kinds of medical-related illegal and criminal acts during the period of the epidemic virus battle [2].

At present, ensuring the safety of medical personnel and maintaining normal medical order is a key defence which we need to win epidemic prevention and control battle. The fight against COVID-19 suggests that although socio-economic status and income can be root causes of a seeming conflict between patients and doctors, government free medical care policies may be effective in changing the situation. We are thrilled to see patients and doctors standing together. Run to the rescue with love, and peace will follow. We applaud the Lancet's Editors in promoting the safety of medical workers in China.