THE Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) has credited the Chinese medical brigades, past and present, for its overwhelming contributions to the advancement and provision of top-class medical services to the residents of Region 10.

Making this assertion was Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Mohammed Riyasat, to a three-man visiting delegation from the Yancheng Third People’s Hospital, China, who, on Friday, visited the LHC, to observe the work ethics and conditions the present brigade, which consists of three doctors, are working under.

The delegation seemed pleased with the works being carried out by the doctors who have been serving at LHC for some time. Dr. Riyasat said that their contributions to the provision of health service in Region 10 are immeasurable and extensive.
“It is very extensive, we have learnt quite a lot from them and we hope and we know that this relationship will be continuing,” Dr. Riyasat said.

One of the noteworthy contributions of the Chinese is the execution and training of staff in the area of laparoscopic surgery. In 2014, the Laparoscopic Surgery Centre at the LHC was commissioned. Laparoscopy is a specialised surgical intervention in which a surgeon, using a key-hole with minimal invasion, is able to visualise and operate inside the abdomen and pelvic area, using specialised cameras, tools and conduits to perform surgery. Compared to conventional surgery, laparoscopy provides patients with less bleeding, less invasive, faster recovery and less scars. Riyasat said that the LHC is the only regional hospital that carries out such an advanced surgery and more so, that the Chinese doctors would have trained local doctors in executing the surgery as well.

“We are very dependent on the Chinese doctors for the laparoscopic surgery as these are the only doctors who operate in our hospital over the years in the area of laparoscopy… it is a learning area for the hospital; it is a plus for the hospital; we greatly appreciate their skills, knowledge and experience.”

In addition to providing training and medical services, the Government of the People’s Republic of China has been expending millions of dollars in donations of medical supplies and equipment to the LHC.

In 2018, $6.2M in much-needed items were donated. Dr. Riyasat said these donations have served a lot of patients, who otherwise, would have had to be referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). He related that the Chinese Government also assisted the LHC with establishing a modern operating theatre.
Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, Dr. Tan Junyuan, said the exchanges also benefit the Chinese doctors.

It enhances mutual understanding, promotes cultural exchanges between the two countries and builds a long-term and stable friendship, he said.
“Long live our friendship and family. You are welcomed to come to China and are welcomed to our hospital,” he said.