THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has welcomed the 22nd Chinese Medical Brigade while bidding farewell to the 21st team, whose year-long assignment contributed to specialised clinical care, professional training, and knowledge transfer within Guyana’s public health system.
The transition was marked by a farewell and welcome ceremony at the Cara Lodge, attended by Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony, GPHC Chief Executive Officer Robbie Rambarran, Director of Medical and Professional Services (ag) Dr. David Samaroo, representatives of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, senior hospital officials and healthcare workers who collaborated with the outgoing team.
The medical partnership between Guyana and China dates back to the early 1990s, when the first Chinese Medical Brigade provided medical supplies, and conducted healthcare outreaches in communities across the country.
Since then, successive brigades have supported clinical services at the GPHC, the Linden Public Hospital and other public healthcare facilities, while contributing to the transfer of specialist knowledge and skills to Guyanese healthcare professionals.
During its year-long assignment, the 21st Brigade worked in areas such as orthopaedics, gynaecology, ophthalmology, and public health.
Head of the 21st Brigade Dr. Li Huansong said members of the team performed complex spinal and laparoscopic surgeries, supported clinical training, and participated in public health initiatives focusing on chronic diseases and nutrition.
The team’s work also extended to professional development, with nine GPHC doctors travelling to China for three months of specialised training under the partnership.
Dr. Anthony said the contribution of the medical brigades went beyond the direct delivery of healthcare services, noting that each team had left skills and experience with Guyanese colleagues.
“It has become a tradition that when these brigades come, they leave something behind,” the Minister said, adding that the 21st Brigade had transferred skills that would allow local healthcare professionals to continue improving patient care.
He also encouraged members of the departing brigade to maintain the professional relationships and friendships established during their time in Guyana.
Rambarran thanked the outgoing team for its clinical service, its teaching, and its contribution to expanding specialised services at the GPHC.
“You are leaving GPHC a better place than when you came,” the CEO said, while highlighting the team’s clinical work, teaching, exchange programme, and donation of equipment that helped the hospital expand the range of services available to patients.
With the departure of the 21st Brigade, the GPHC formally welcomed the 22nd team, whose members are preparing to begin their assignment.
The incoming brigade was encouraged to build on the foundation established by previous teams, and work closely with Guyanese medical professionals to strengthen knowledge-sharing, develop local expertise, and contribute to the continued expansion of healthcare capacity.
The ceremony concluded with the exchange of tokens of appreciation and expressions of gratitude from GPHC officials and staff to the departing specialists, alongside a formal welcome to the 22nd Chinese Medical Brigade.
