China opens new chapter in medical outreach on Tonga's Eua Island

The fifth batch of the Chinese medical team in Tonga completed a weeklong medical outreach service at Niu'eiki Hospital on Tonga's Eua Island on Monday. The mission marked the first time a Chinese medical team conducted outreach activities on the island, a new milestone in China-Tonga medical cooperation.

Despite challenges posed by the rainy season, difficult transportation, and language barriers, the team carried portable equipment into remote and inaccessible areas. A villager in her 80s who received wound care at home expressed her gratitude. 

"The Chinese doctors came to my doorstep. Their help gave me new hope in life," she said.

"The team treated over 300 patients during the outreach and provided free health examinations for more than 200 residents. Conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes were identified and addressed through targeted treatment plans and consultations," team leader of the fifth batch of the Chinese medical team, Lu Qingyang, told CGTN.

"In response to the region's prevalence of dermatological and orthopedic conditions, the team also carried out specialized diagnosis and treatment services, earning wide praise from local communities," said Lu, who is from the Liaocheng People's Hospital in China's Shandong Province.

The Chinese doctors not only provided professional medical services but also shared their valuable experience with us, which is of great significance in improving our medical capabilities, said Kafoaatu Tupou Moa, a Sister (an experienced and senior nurse) at Niu'eiki Hospital.

Comprising six specialists in gynecology, orthopedics, ultrasound, anesthesiology, psychiatry, and pathology, the team provided a wide range of medical services. They included joint ward rounds, outpatient consultations, medical advice, and telemedicine at the hospital, as well as health checkups, home visits, free medicine distribution, and health education campaigns in local communities and remote villages,  delivering quality healthcare to residents and promoting the concept of early detection and treatment of diseases.

Chinese Ambassador to Tonga Liu Weimin paid a special visit to the hospital during the period to learn about the team's work and extend his support.

Based on the health needs of the Tongan people, the Chinese medical team also introduced the Chinese fitness exercise Baduanjin, one of the most common forms of Chinese Qigong used for exercise, helping to promote health awareness and foster cultural exchange. This innovative approach received enthusiastic responses from residents.

The Chinese medical team has truly brought health benefits to the people of Eua Island. We are grateful for their hard work and look forward to more visits that will provide better healthcare services to people on outer islands, said Doctor Petrick Penitani, acting medical officer of Niu'eiki Hospital.

Lu told CGTN that the visit to Eua Island was an important step in fulfilling the promise of the Health Silk Road. 

"It is the first time the Chinese medical team has conducted medical services on Eua Island. We will make such missions a regular practice to ensure more island residents receive proper healthcare. We will also deepen cooperation with Tonga's health authorities to enhance telemedicine, talent training, and other long-term mechanisms," Lu said.

Carried out from May 19 to May 26, the medical outreach services were highly recognized by Tonga's Ministry of Health, further strengthening mutual trust and cooperation in the public health sector between the two countries. It is also expected to contribute to building a global community of health for all.

The fifth batch of medical personnel was dispatched to Tonga in July 2024 by east China's Shandong Provincial Health Commission. Since their arrival, the medical team has treated over 3,000 patients in Tonga and provided high-quality medical services to local people through several free clinics.

"Since the launch of China-Tonga medical cooperation in 2018, China has sent 30 medical professionals and provided healthcare services to local people, which laid a solid foundation for continued collaboration in the health sector between the two sides," Lu noted.