THE 17th Chinese Medical Brigade on Friday handed over medical equipment to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to help boost the services it offers to the public.

Speaking on behalf of China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiya, Chinese Economic and Commercial Counsellor Hu Hanming said that it was a great pleasure to witness the handing-over ceremony.

“We hope these medical supplies will support Guyana to fight against the pandemic and protect the health of Guyanese,” he said during a simple ceremony held at GPHC’s Resource Centre.
Hu stated that since the pandemic started in Guyana, China has donated 16 batches of medical supplies, including vaccines, nucleic acid detectors, reagents and more.

“China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Guyana and continuously support the country in fighting the pandemic within its capacity,” he said, adding that China welcomes more Guyanese students who study medicine in China to come back to better serve their fellow Guyanese with improved expertise.

“With the development of the oil-and-gas sector, Guyana’s economy and society are facing huge development opportunities, and the demand of high-quality medical services increased sharply. I have noticed that the Government of Guyana is aiming to transform the country’s health sector to ensure that citizens nationwide have access to quality, world-class health services, and Minister Anthony has been vigorously promoting the upgrading of Guyana’s health facilities and the training of medical staff,” he said.

With China leading in medical technology and given its rich experience in the health sector, Hu expressed the firm belief that there is broad space for bilateral cooperation in the field of medical treatment and public health.

“This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Guyana. The two countries will jointly take this opportunity to promote bilateral practical cooperation in various fields, of which the health sector is an important part,” he shared.

He said that China will strengthen its support for the development of Guyana’s health services through Chinese Government Scholarship Programmes. Both sides have also agreed on cooperation in carrying out resident-doctor training in Guyana and are well prepared.

Meanwhile, Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GPHC, Robbie Rambarran said that the people of Guyana will always be grateful for the contributions made to Guyana’s health sector by the Chinese medical teams throughout the years.

He added that the medical equipment is valued at US$129,000.

Apologising for the absence of Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony, his adviser Leslie Ramsammy said that he hopes that the Chinese Medical Brigade will take their experiences in Guyana back to China.

The medical equipment handed over included a mind ray mobile trolley, infusion pump, x-ray view box, videoscope, oxygen concentrator, orthopedic instruments, mind ray digital ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system, electronic suction apparatus and a portable suction machine.