20 YEARS OF SERVICE: CHINA MEDICAL TEAM IN PNG

A high-level team of specialist medical doctors from China, based at the Port Moresby General Hospital in the National Capital District, marked 20 years of their services in the country. The team of doctors specialized in minimal invasive surgical procedures have worked closely for the past 20 years with local doctors to serve the people of PNG with excellent medical skills and training. At the ceremony to mark the dedication and service of the Chinese Medical team, witnessed by the Health Secretary Dr. Osbourne Liko, and PMGH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Paki Molumi, Chinese Ambassador to PNG Zeng Fanhua said, the China medical team comprised of selected high-level medical staff based at the hospital who work closely with local colleagues to serve PNG people.

“At the request of the PNG government, the Chinese government has been sending medical teams to PNG for 20 years now. And this is the 12th China medical team in the country.”

He added that they are willing to continue such a successful cooperation and their embassy is negotiating the extension of this cooperation with the Department of Health and hopes to reach a consensus as soon as possible.

National Department of Health Secretary Dr. Osbourne Liko said, the minimally invasive surgical procedures basically means that no major surgical operation (cutting the body open to operate) but with the newly donated medical instruments from the China Medical team and the Chinese Government, they will help a lot families to have quick recovery and short bed stays at the hospitals.

“The Government of PNG really appreciates this relationship and partnership we have. And according to our health plan as alluded, Port Moresby General Hospital is the National Referral Teaching Hospital. And we must strengthen our health facilities with work force and skills, manpower training and high tech equipment like the ones donated by the China Medical team, so that our families won’t have to travel out to seek medical attending.”

Captain of the 12th China Medical team Cheng Gang said, the instruments they donated include some conventional instruments and a series of minimally invasive surgical instruments including laparoscopic camera, stapler, trocar, ultrosonic scalpel, monopolar electro-coagulation hood and many more.

Gang said, they will make the best of the center to carry out minimally invasive technology trainings and conduct online academic exchanges between PNG & China.

“We will continue to work with our colleagues in PNG to safeguard the health of PNG people and strive to build a community of common health for mankind.”