A special task force has been established by Guangzhou's Yuexiu district police to investigate the incident in which a senior stomatologist was seriously wounded after being attacked by his former patient.

Chen Zhongwei, 60, former director of the stomatological department of Guangdong General Hospital, was rushed to hospital after he was stabbed 30 times with a knife from his head to feet on Thursday evening. Chen was in intensive care for further medical observation and treatment on Friday. He retired as director earlier this year.

The incident took place when Chen was attacked by a man who followed him to his home at 5:20 pm. Chen's family immediately called police and rushed Chen, who was bleeding profusely, to hospital.

The suspected attacker committed suicide after jumping off a building from the 18th-foor balcony in Chen's home.

According to police, the unnamed man was one of Chen's patients who was once treated by Chen 25 years ago. The suspect was reported to have once arrived in Chen's hospital to seek compensation and created trouble before he attacked Chen.

And Chen once sought police help when he thought the man had mental problems.

Liao Xinbo, an inspector with the Guangdong Provincial Commission of Health and Family Planning, said he was shocked when he learned Chen was attacked by his patient.

"Chen is an honest, low-key and capable doctor," Liao said.

He urged police and relevant departments to investigate the case to its fullest extent.