Fourteen medical practitioners from China have arrived in the country to offer medical services in various hospitals for the next one year.
Fourteen medical practitioners from China have arrived in the country to offer medical services in various hospitals for the next one year.
This is the 17th medical group from China, replacing another team of 19 doctors who have concluded two years offering health care services at Kibungo and Masaka hospitals.
A party was held at the Chinese embassy in Kigali on Monday evening to bid farewell to the outgoing medical team and to usher in the new one.
Speaking at the function, Pan Hejun, the Chinese ambassador to Rwanda, said health care has long been one of the important areas in Sino-Rwanda cooperation.
"We have enjoyed friendship with Rwanda for the last two decades. This cooperation has brought tangible results. The Chinese medical team has worked together with the Rwandan colleagues for development,” he said.
He lauded their work in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, in the hospitals of Masaka and Kibungo and expressed optimism that the incoming team will follow the same path.
"The 16th group saved lives. The people will remember what you have done. I extend sincere thanks to the Chinese team and the Ministry of Health,” he added.
Dr Hakiba Solange, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health who was the chief guest at the event, praised the Chinese medics for saving lives and partaking in Rwanda’s development.
"The team has saved lives and contributed to the development of our country. We have received medical equipment and our people have gone for study tours. We believe in this fruitful cooperation in health,” said the permanent secretary who also awarded every member of the outgoing team with a certificate of appreciation.
Yu MinXue, on behalf of the outgoing team, hailed the ministry and Rwandans for supporting them during their mission.
He also advised their successors to relate with Rwandans freely and try to learn their culture.
The new team, through Bai Yue, a medic who spoke on their behalf, promised to successfully accomplish their mission and to strengthen the relations between the two countries.
"I believe we shall accomplish our mission and help establish good relations. I want to make a contribution to the development of the two countries,” she said.
China started sending medics in Rwanda since 1982 and they have treated up to 800,000 people.
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