Guyana bids farewell to 12th batch of Chinese medical team

… welcomes another group

Paying homage to the departing 12th batch of the Chinese medical team was Health Minister Volda Lawrence, while welcoming the incoming team at a farewell dinner hosted by the Public Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy at the New Thriving Restaurant at Providence, East Bank Demerara, on Wednesday.

Minister Lawrence in delivering a featured address expressed much gratitude to the Chinese Embassy and the Foreign Affairs Ministry for facilitating the relations between the two countries; the result of which has seen much development in the medical and health sector, in promoting a healthy nation.

She applauded China’s selfless assistance, having delivered much needed service to the local citizenry, which have had great significance to Guyana’s economic and social development. Moreover, commending the team having offering a wide range of medical expertise in areas of general surgery, radiology and gynecology among others, with punctuality, expertise and competence, even embarking on a medical outreach spanning remote locations in the Rupununi District, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo).

The gathering heard that one doctor successfully removed a malignant cancer from the leg of a patient in an Indigenous community during the brief mission.

The Health Minister indicated that the departing batch boasts the successful execution of 1500 eye surgeries and 7000 others to some 20,000 patients to date, garnering thunderous applause from the gathering.

Minister Lawrence further recognised the role of medical teams in promoting ties between China and Guyana, and expressed gratitude to the relevant departments of the Government (of Guyana) for their ever-prolonging care and support of the Chinese medical teams. She concluded that she is optimistic that the team will take back with them to their homeland invaluable experiences, having had an insight in the way of life and cultures of our diverse nation, while urging them to continue their works in assisting the vulnerable across the globe as she reiterated that the nation was much impacted and touched by their services.Much is expected from the incoming team who are to continue the high quality of work dispensed by their predecessors. Patrons were intrigued by the traditional “Dragon Dance” of the Chinese and a well-choreographed piece by the National School of Dance. This reception was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun, Minister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings, and doctors in the medical sector.

In China you have to pay for medical care. Yet they provide it to Guyana. The Chinese see Guyana as important.