16 Jul 2024

The outgoing 16th Chinese Medical team has thanked Botswana for the opportunity to serve in the country.

Speaking during their farewell ceremony held in Gaborone recently, the team leader, Mr Chen Denghua said the team arrived in Botswana at the height of COVID-19, bearing the responsibility and mission of health cooperation in mind.

He said for that reason, they overcame five outbreaks of COVID-19 epidemics and the impact of nosocomial infections with all the medical staff in Botswana.

Mr Chen hailed members of the 16th medical team for performing their duties to perfection, saying they carried out medical cooperation, treated patients even those who were positive and were available to cover the shortage of specialist medical doctors and nurses.

“The team became an indispensable part of medical and healthcare services in the two stationed hospitals,” he said, adding that the Chinese doctors made good use of their knowledge to help patients.

He also said they actively participated in local community medical service and COVID-19 vaccination and provided medical advice and assistance to their Chinese compatriots, efforts that received high recognition from the Chinese Embassy.

Mr Chen pointed out that over the past two years, they were able to facilitate bilateral exchanges and cooperation effectively between Fujian Provincial Hospital in China and Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital in Francistown.

He said the team established the first hematology unit at Princess Marina Hospital and was actively involved in training residents from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Botswana.

“Chinese doctors have managed to perform laparoscopic surgeries and help more patients in Northern Botswana to benefit greatly from minimally invasive technology.

“Those advanced operations have covered the shortage of the medical technology of the stationed hospitals,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Chen extended gratitude to the long-term support and assistance provided by the Ministry of Health, Princess Marina Hospital and Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital.

He hailed them for creating good working and living conditions for the team and a platform for bilateral exchanges with local professionals.

Mr Chen was also thankful to the residents and patients for their understanding and support.

“We are deeply impressed by their love for life, family affection and cheerful and peaceful attitude towards life, from them we see the confident and self-strengthening national spirit,” he said.

He said Batswana way of life encouraged the team to move forward bravely to overcome the epidemic, adding that Batswana expressed care ‘when we are in trouble and sympathise with us when we are ill’, adding that Batswana’s warm care and guidance created their way through difficulties.

The outgoing ceremony, doubled as a welcome to the 17th Chinese medical team, who will also be based in referral hospitals for two years and Mr Chen encouraged them to work hard.

The incoming team leader, Mr Fan Wandong promised to inherit the good tradition, promising to firmly obey and abide by the medical norms and professional ethics as well as treat every patient with a high sense of responsibility.

We will embody the spirit of dedication, live saving with great love and make contributions to building a community with a shared future for mankind, Mr Fan said. ENDS