The Ministry of Health, yesterday, bade farewell to a team of 12 Chinese medics who have been in the country on a two year voluntary mission.

Speaking at a ceremony held at the Chinese Embassy, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Uzziel Ndagijimana, noted that, during their stay, the specialists who were based in Kibungo Hospital in the Eastern Province, treated thousands of Rwandans and trained young Rwandan medics.

"Chinese medical engagement in Rwanda has been present for four decades now and their service impacted positively on the health of Rwandans,” Ndagijimana said.

"Since you came here in 2008 to this day, you have done a lot of work and we are very grateful. You did not only treat thousands of Rwandans but you also carried out community outreach programmes.”

He noted that this was the 14th Brigade of Chinese specialists, adding that it was a clear manifestation of the cooperation which also extends to other sectors.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Dr. Yu Min Xue, said that they enjoyed their stay in Rwanda especially in helping the poor receive adequate treatment. 

"Our greatest success we will celebrate all our lives is that we succeeded in according adequate treatment to over 10,000 patients in the course of two years,” Dr. Xue observed.

"During our stay, we have assisted our fellow colleagues to acquire skills in a bid to increase the quality of medical assistance. It has been an unforgettable experience”.

The Chargé D'affaire at the Chinese Embassy, Chen Dong, praised the relations between Rwanda and China and expressed his country’s interest in continuing to send medics in Rwanda.

Meanwhile, a new Chinese brigade of 16 doctors arrived in the country recently to replace the outgoing team.

The head of the new group, Dr. Gao Zhong Xian, said that the since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the peoples of the two countries share a lot in common.

"When an earthquake hit China in 2008, Rwanda offered financial support. The Chinese people will never forget it. Likewise, China will never hesitate to offer its support to their Rwandan friends,” Dr. Xian said.

"As members of the Chinese Foreign Aid Medical Team, all of us are ready to do our best to promote the friendship between our two countries”.

Part of the new team will be based at Masaka Hospital in Kicukiro District, Kigali that was constructed by the Chinese while others will be based in Kibungo Hospital.

Ends