Chinese team providing specialist care at QEH

SOME OF THE BEST orthopaedic and vascular specialists from China are providing free treatments and operations to Barbadians.

Yesterday in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s (QEH) board room, Martindales Road, St Michael, representatives of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China,  Chongqing Medical University and a Chinese Specialist Team witnessed a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Vice President of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Dr Luo Tianyou and Chief Executive Officer of the QEH Louise Bobb.  

That event kick-started a special five-day medical service care for locals in need of knee replacements or blood vessel treatment. 

Dr Danny Gill of the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Planning and Research Unit, who spoke on behalf of Minister Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic, said the medical expertise of the Chongqing University would provide staff with technical skills training, build capacity in undermanned areas and reduce the backlog of patients awaiting these types of procedures. 

Gill also highlighted that the Government of China made two donations of medical equipment and consumables, including two anaesthetic machines, valued US$400 000. 

Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, Qu Ying, said that this occurrence was the first of its kind, adding that the operations, academic exchange and postoperative re-examination would strengthen the relationship between both countries. 

On Monday October 3, 2016, both governments signed a MOU for the provision of medical support by a Chinese team comprising surgeons, physicians and nurses. To date, two teams have completed their work programmes. Although members of the second team were to conclude their duties last month, three were granted extensions until July 31. 

Following the five-day service care, a third team will work at the QEH for six months, staring on July 24. (SB)