Interview | ＂Chinese Medical Team Brings Warmth and Hope＂

Banjul, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Interview with Gambian Health Minister Samati on "Chinese Medical Team Brings Warmth and Hope"

Xinhua News Agency reporter Si Yuan

The Chinese medical team not only brought advanced technology, but also warmth and hope. Leaving one's family and traveling abroad to provide medical services for the Gambian people is a great sacrifice. "Gambian Health Minister Samatai expressed sincere gratitude to China for assisting the Gambian medical team in an interview with Xinhua News Agency on the 17th. He emphasized that with the support of the Chinese medical team and other aid projects, Gambia's medical service capabilities have significantly improved. On March 17th, Gambian Health Minister Samatai was interviewed by Xinhua News Agency reporters in the Gambian capital Banjul. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Si Yuan

Looking back at the development history of the healthcare system in The Gambia, Sa

Ma Tai's tone carried a hint of emotion as he spoke frankly about the difficult situation of hospitals in The Gambia in the past. The general facilities are outdated, and many medical equipment suffer from severe wear and tear after long-term use, but are difficult to update due to a shortage of funds. Medicines are often in short supply, and some common diseases' treatment drugs cannot be stably supplied. Moreover, the training of medical staff is seriously inadequate, and the lack of professional knowledge and skills makes it difficult for many patients to receive timely and effective treatment, resulting in delays in their condition.

However, in recent years, the healthcare situation in The Gambia has gradually improved. Samatai introduced, "We are committed to improving medical services and actively carrying out work in China. We have expanded and renovated multiple hospitals, renovated old buildings, optimized hospital layout, and made it more convenient for patients to seek medical treatment. At the same time, we have introduced advanced equipment, from basic examination equipment to high-end treatment instruments, which are gradually being updated and upgraded. We also work closely with international partners to build new hospitals. Through this approach, we continuously enhance the service capabilities of grassroots medical institutions and enable more people to enjoy high-quality medical services at their doorstep

Since 1977, China has sent a total of 22 medical teams to The Gambia, and this friendship that transcends time and space has never ceased. After the arrival of the 22nd batch of medical teams from China in July 2024, they quickly immersed themselves in intense work. This medical team, consisting of 10 members, covers multiple key areas of expertise. They have treated more than 2000 patients in a short period of time, and have been dedicated to both daily outpatient visits and the diagnosis of complex illnesses. Completed over 200 surgeries and surgical teaching sessions. During the surgical process, Chinese doctors not only relied on their exquisite skills to complete difficult operations, but also patiently imparted skills and experience to local doctors. During this period, the medical team also actively promoted Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment technology, introduced acupuncture and moxibustion, massage and other traditional Chinese medicine therapies into Gambia, and brought new treatment options to the local people.

Samatai highly praised China's aid, emphasizing that China's medical assistance covers multiple key areas, like a timely rain, nourishing the healthcare industry in The Gambia. In terms of medical technology and personnel training, the support provided by China is particularly crucial. China Medical University Affiliated Shengjing Hospital has collaborated with the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in The Gambia to carry out a series of effective activities. Regularly hold academic exchanges and invite medical experts from both countries to share cutting-edge medical knowledge and clinical experience; Remote training also breaks geographical limitations, allowing healthcare workers in The Gambia to access advanced medical concepts and technologies. The obstetrics and gynecology specialty construction projects of the two hospitals have achieved significant results since their launch in September 2023. With the guidance of Chinese experts, the level of maternal and child healthcare services in The Gambia has reached a new level, reducing the mortality rates of pregnant women and newborns, and bringing happiness and hope to countless families. In addition, Chinese medical experts actively promote advanced technologies such as laparoscopic surgery in the local area, holding multiple training lectures and practical courses. After a period of effort, some local doctors have been able to independently perform more precise minimally invasive surgeries, greatly improving the overall level of surgery in The Gambia.

In the past 8 months, in addition to daily clinical diagnosis and treatment, the 22nd batch of Chinese medical teams assisting The Gambia have also conducted free clinics and visits to urban and rural communities in The Gambia multiple times. They tirelessly traveled deep into remote areas with medical equipment and medicine. Provide free medical services to local residents in a rudimentary environment. Samatai sighed and said, "Chinese doctors not only save lives and heal the wounded in hospitals, but also take the initiative to leave hospitals and go to remote areas with inconvenient transportation and scarce medical resources. In the process of free clinics, these doctors always do their best, patiently examine and diagnose each patient, and do their utmost to help patients relieve their pain. Their dedication and sacrifice are seen and remembered by the Gambian people

When talking about the medical cooperation during the COVID-19 epidemic, Samathai especially mentioned China's great help and expressed his gratitude. The support of the Chinese government for The Gambia is indelible. He pointed out that during the most severe period of the global pandemic, China donated a large amount of critical medical supplies to The Gambia. The detection kit enables Gambia to conduct virus testing in a timely manner and grasp the dynamics of the epidemic; Ventilators provide life support for critically ill patients; Various medications have alleviated the symptoms of patients; Protective equipment ensures the safety of medical staff, allowing them to fearlessly fight on the front line of the fight against the epidemic. In addition, the Chinese government has dispatched a team of experts to travel across the ocean to Gambia. These experts conducted in-depth research on the local epidemic situation, combined with the actual situation in Gambia, to develop scientific and effective epidemic prevention and control strategies and provide technical support for Gambia. During the epidemic, Chinese medical experts fought alongside us, fighting against the epidemic together. Their figures became a warm force during that difficult time, worthy of our eternal memory

Samatai also highly praised China's cooperation model with Africa. He stated that China's cooperation model emphasizes capacity building without any conditions attached, and is based on mutual respect, which we greatly appreciate. China's assistance in improving the medical technology level and cultivating medical talents in Gambia is aimed at achieving sustainable development of the country's medical industry. This sincere cooperation attitude has won the respect and trust of Gambia and many African countries. centre