For the next two years the health sector will benefit from the services of a new Chinese medical brigade that includes an interventional cardiologist among other specialists.
Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, said that it is the first time an interventional cardiologist would be working in the country for an extended period. According to Government Information Agency (GINA), Ramsammy had made a request for the cardiologist last year.
“This will add to the effectiveness of the country’s cardiac services,” Ramsammy was quoted as saying.
A radiologist, a gynaecologist, an anaesthetist, a general surgeon and a pathologist are also included in the new batch of Chinese medical personnel. The inclusion of the gynaecologist was lauded by Ramsammy who noted that the only four years are left to reach the Millennium Development Goals and maternal and infant mortality remain priority areas.
Last week, a ceremony of farewell and welcome was held for the outgoing and newly arrived Chinese doctors. The outgoing batch served at the Georgetown Public Hospital and at the Linden Hospital complex. Fourteen doctors were in this team and among them were a plastic surgeon, an orthopaedic surgeon and an ophthalmologist.
In the two years the doctors were here, they treated in excess of 4,500 patients and conducted close to 5,000 surgeries in ophthalmology; orthopaedics; gynaecology and plastic surgery. Seven thousand, five hundred cataract surgeries were also carried out.
The doctors also shared their knowledge with local staff and provided training to them to conduct laparoscopy surgery, which was introduced during their two-year stint.
GINA said the Chinese government made several notable donations to the health sector over the past two years. The public hospital received modern ophthalmology equipment valued at US$85,000 which serves for laparoscopic, retinal and other surgeries. A donation of US$305,000 was also received for the construction of an apartment complex at East and Church streets to accommodate future Chinese medical teams. The complex will have a recreational facility.
Head of the outgoing team, Ophthalmologist Dr Chun He Shi commented that while there were a few challenges during the two years, the team worked hard to provide the best medical care to local patients.