Chinese Amb. MA Qiang at the reception of his country's new medical team/07.09.2023/By Moyo Jacob

The Chinese Ambassador has told his country’s newly deployed medical team to withstand hardship as they embark on a life-saving mission in South Sudan.

Ma Qiang made the remarks during the inception of the 11^th China Medical Team that arrived in the country yesterday.

The same event also witnessed the award of certificates to the outgoing 10^th batch for successfully completing its mission in the country.

Ambassador Ma Qiang who welcomed the new medical team encouraged the medics to wholeheartedly serve the South Sudanese people.

“At the same time, we warmly welcome the 11^th batch of China Medical Team that just arrived in Juba yesterday.

“I believe that you will continue to uphold the spirit which is “no fear of hardships”, willingness to dedicate to saving lives, and great love with practical actions.

He adds that their contributions are significant to the friendship between South Sudan and China.

“Serve the patients wholeheartedly, and make significant contributions to the friendship between China and South Sudan,” he said.

On his part, Dr Atem Nathan, Acting Undersecretary in the Ministry of Health commended the Chinese Embassy in Juba for its contribution to South Sudan’s health sector.

He says the services offered by the Chinese government will help move South Sudan to a bright future.

“South Sudan and China share a big friendship and close cooperation in various fields, especially in health. A friend in need is a friend indeed.

“China always conducts unconditional and practical operations in South Sudan which truly helps us step forward to a bright future,” said Doctor Nathan.

It is 60 years today since China started dispatching medical teams to several parts of the world, a move that started in 1963 with Algeria being the first country to have received the team.

Reportedly, China has dispatched 30,000 medical personnel to 76 countries all over the world and treated 290 million patients.

And as part of health cooperation with South Sudan, China dispatched the first medical team to the country in 2012, bringing the total number of Chinese doctors to 149 over the past 11 years.

While in the country, the personnel offered free medical consultations and treatment to 58,960 outpatients and performed 1,036 operations and 1,054 cases of gastroscopy examinations.

They have carried out 19 free medical consultative events in remote areas outside Juba, providing outreach medical services for 27,245 patients.

They set up an Electronic Gastroscopy Department, a Cervical Screening Center as well as a Remote Imaging Diagnosis Center in Juba Teaching Hospital.

Following the completion of the Chinese Phase 1 project at Juba Teaching Hospital, the Chinese Embassy says, Phase 2 is soon commencing and it is expected to cover 16,000 square meters.

The project will include medical technology building, outpatients, impatient, infectious disease, administrative buildings, and other ancillary facilities with some medical equipment to be provided.