OVER 400 residents of the Makira-Ulawa Provincial Capital Kirakira received free medical services provided by the 3rd China Medical Team (CMT) in Solomon Islands over a five-day period.
The free clinical service, provided by the 3rd CMT from Friday 20 September to Wednesday 25 September at the invitation of the Makira-Ulawa Provincial Government, marks the sixth provincial outreach by the CMT since 2022.
The medical team, consisting of eight members—Team Leader Dr Mu Mao, Urologist Dr Zhong Quliang, Cardiologist Dr Wei Bo, Nephrologist Dr Tang Yinqian, Acupuncturists Dr Xu Ming and Dr Li Danmao, Interpreter Huang Bailin and Chef Zhang Yuangang—participated in the free clinics. They were also joined by Dr Simon from the Acupuncture Clinic of National Referral Hospital (NRH).
With the assistance of local medical staff, the team provided outpatient consultations, acupuncture treatment, ward rounds, clinical teaching and conducted peripheral health facility outreach visits and medication donations.
The 3rd CMT arrived in Kirakira on Friday 20 September and were warmly welcomed by the local people and government officials.
On the next day, a long queue of medical care seekers responded to the team’s sincerity as the news of free clinics preceded the arrival of the CMT.
During the free clinics, the team conducted specialized consultations and treatment at the Kirakira Hospital, offering services in acupuncture, cardiology, urology and nephrology, with the assistance of local doctors and nurses.
Over 400 local residents received medical services, including 175 patients who were given acupuncture treatment and prescribed necessary complimentary medicines.
The local community expressed immense gratitude to the team for bringing much-needed medical services to their remote province.
At the acupuncture clinic, a local patient named Steven, who had suffered from knee and back pain for years, was overjoyed to receive treatment again from the CMT. He had previously experienced significant pain relief from acupuncture provided by the team at NRH and expressed his hope for similar results this time.
At the urology clinic, a patient named Wilson was happy to meet the Chinese doctors, hopeful that they could alleviate his discomfort.
During the free clinics, CMT also conducted ward rounds, sharing diagnostic and treatment experiences with local doctors.
Local acupuncturist at the National Referral Hospital, Dr Simon, under the guidance of Dr Xu Ming and Dr Li Danmao, provided acupuncture treatment for local patients.
He was happy to see his improved acupuncture skills after being trained at the Acupuncture Clinic at NRH.
Dr Marlyn of the Kirakira Hospital expressed her deep appreciation for the shared medical knowledge, which she found highly beneficial.
An internal medicine nurse, Mr Marc remarked that he gained valuable insights into cardiac care by observing Cardiologist Dr Wei Bo treat patients.
After the free clinical services were concluded, the team donated essential medicines, blood glucose and blood pressure monitors to the Kirakira Hospital. In addition, they also visited rural health clinics to get the first-hand local healthcare situation.
Director of Kirakira Hospital, John Harana expressed sincere gratitude to the CMT for their donation of valuable medicines, which would help many patients in need.
He also appreciated the team’s efforts to understand the challenges faced by the local healthcare system.
A member of the Makira-Ulawa Provincial Executive, Martin Karani, on behalf of the provincial government thanked the CMT for their service, noting that there are many people in remote places of Makira-Ulawa Province with difficult access to specialized medical care.
He emphasized the positive impact of the team’s visit in providing much-needed healthcare and supporting the development of the local health system.
Karani expressed hope for continued collaboration between the Solomon Islands and China to further strengthen their relationship.
Moving forward, the CMT plans to extend their services to other provinces and communities.
Their commitment to providing free medical services demonstrates their dedication to the wellbeing of the people of Solomon Islands.
