China-Maldives Ophthalmology Center: Strengthening Healthcare Bonds
- Midhuam
- May 30, 2023
- 3 min read
In a significant step towards enhancing bilateral relations, the Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, H.E. Ambassador Wang Lixin, attended the launching ceremony of the China-Maldives Ophthalmology Center Assistance and Cooperation Program on 11 February, 2023.
The event marked a new chapter in the friendship between China and the Maldives, emphasizing their commitment to traditional friendship, mutually beneficial cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.
In the ceremony Ambassador Wang Lixin expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the relevant government departments and hospitals of both countries, especially the Chinese medical team led by Professor Chen Weirong from the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of Sun Yat-sen University. The team's relentless efforts and dedication have been instrumental in the success of various medical assistance projects between China and the Maldives.
Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent encouragement to the Chinese medical team highlighted the country's commitment to saving lives and building friendships through international medical assistance. The Chinese government's swift response to optimize its COVID-19 measures further exemplifies its commitment to the health and well-being of the Maldivian people.
The main objective of the China-Maldives Ophthalmology Center Assistance and Cooperation Program is to train Maldivian doctors and nurses at the China-Maldives Ophthalmology Center.
A medical team led by Professor Chen Weirong will stay in the Maldives for six months, providing essential training to local medical staff. This program aims to equip them with the skills necessary to independently treat common ophthalmic diseases.
By establishing this new model of Chinese medical assistance, China is empowering the Maldives to enhance its healthcare capabilities and provide quality ophthalmological care to its citizens.This program builds upon the ongoing efforts of the Chinese government to promote medical and health exchanges between the two nations.
Over the past few years, China has actively provided medical assistance to the Maldives through initiatives like the "Bright Journey" program. In previous years, Chinese medical experts conducted over 1,200 ophthalmic checks and nearly 200 ophthalmic operations, greatly benefiting the Maldivian people.
The Chinese government has also donated a substantial amount of medical equipment and materials to support the healthcare system in the Maldives.
The shift in China's medical aid model to the Maldives from, as Ambassador stated, "offering fish to people" to "teaching people how to fish" signifies a long-term commitment to sustainable cooperation. China aims to improve the independent development capacity of the Maldives, allowing its medical staff to serve their own people effectively.
This approach not only strengthens the bilateral relationship but also brings tangible benefits to the Maldivian people, fostering a sense of self-sufficiency and empowerment.
Yesterday's visit by Ambassador Wang Lixin to the Hulumale' Hospital showcased the remarkable progress achieved through the assistance and cooperation program.
The ambassador witnessed the signing ceremony of a medical equipment donation from the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of Sun Yat-sen University to the Hulumale Hospital, demonstrating China's continued support for the development of healthcare facilities in the Maldives. The ambassador expressed her happiness and satisfaction with the local doctors and nurses, who have made great strides in their professional growth with the help of the Chinese team.
Same day Ambassador Wang Lixin tweeted about her deep impression of the extraordinary performance of the Chinese medical team at Hulumale Hospital.
The team performed 30 cataract surgeries in a single day, highlighting their skill and dedication. The ambassador shared how she witnessed a life-changing moment when one particular patient who had been blind for a decade had their eyesight restored, bringing tears of joy. This remarkable achievement exemplifies the skill and dedication of the Chinese medical team, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of the Maldivian people.