Chinese medical team improves health, well-being in Guyana

On the northern coast of South America, the Caribbean nation of Guyana has long faced challenges in healthcare, including limited infrastructure and shortages of medical professionals. To help address these gaps, China began dispatching medical teams to Guyana in 1993.

Recently, Guyanese President Irfaan Ali met with the departing 20th Chinese Medical Team at the Presidential Palace, where he spoke warmly with the doctors and posed for group photos.

The 20th Chinese Medical Team arrived in September 2024. Over the past year, the team conducted more than 1,700 surgeries, 860 anesthetic procedures, 129 critical care rescues, and 2,400 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) consultations, while introducing more than 90 new medical techniques, according to team leader Du Boxiang.

People's Daily correspondents recently visited the team's stations at Georgetown Public Hospital and Linden Public Hospital, and accompanied members to remote villages and welfare institutions. There, we witnessed firsthand how Chinese doctors are improving lives while deepening friendship between the two nations.

"We are very grateful"

At 9 am, patients were already lining up outside the TCM Center on the second floor of Georgetown Public Hospital. Inside, acupuncturist Ji Weipeng treated Totaram, a local resident suffering from back and leg pain, with electro-acupuncture.

"I used to be in so much pain I couldn't move," Totaram said. After 20 sessions of acupuncture, his herniated lumbar disc improved significantly. "Acupuncture is amazing. Each treatment eased my pain. Now I can walk normally again, and I want to share this with my family and friends."

TCM has become a signature element of the Chinese medical team. "Our clinic is fully booked every day," Ji said. Georgetown Public Hospital CEO Robbie Rambarran added, "As a patient myself, I've experienced the benefits of acupuncture. More and more people here are learning about Chinese medicine. It has become a cultural bridge between our countries."

Beyond TCM, the team covers anesthesiology, surgery, orthopedics, gynecology and ophthalmology. "Without Chinese specialists, many surgeries would not be possible," said Dr. Bibi Hussain, a surgeon at Georgetown Public Hospital.

She recalled a liver tumor resection in January, performed with the guidance of Chinese surgeon Qian Yi using advanced precision techniques. The patient went home after just four days. "In the past, we couldn't treat liver metastases. Now, with Chinese doctors, we've successfully handled many complex cases," Hussain said. "Their expertise has greatly expanded our treatment options."

The team has also launched "Surgery Days" in regional hospitals to strengthen local capacity.

By Chen Yiming and Shi Yuanhao ( People's Daily)

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