Chinese medical team improves health, well-being in Guyana

Georgetown (People's Daily) –On the northern coast of South America, the Caribbean nation of Guyana has long faced challenges in healthcare, including limited infrastructure and shortages of medical professionals. To help address these gaps, China began dispatching medical teams to Guyana in 1993.

Recently, Guyanese President Irfaan Ali met with the departing 20th Chinese Medical Team at the Presidential Palace, where he spoke warmly with the doctors and posed for group photos.

Guyanese President Irfaan Ali meets with the departing 20th Chinese Medical Team at the Presidential Palace, Georgetown, Guyana. (File photo)

The 20th Chinese Medical Team arrived in September 2024. Over the past year, the team conducted more than 1,700 surgeries, 860 anesthetic procedures, 129 critical care rescues, and 2,400 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) consultations, while introducing more than 90 new medical techniques, according to team leader Du Boxiang.

Chinese doctor provides medical consultations at a local nursing home in Guyana. (File photo)

People's Daily correspondents recently visited the team's stations at Georgetown Public Hospital and Linden Public Hospital, and accompanied members to remote villages and welfare institutions. There, we witnessed firsthand how Chinese doctors are improving lives while deepening friendship between the two nations.

"We are very grateful"

At 9 am, patients were already lining up outside the TCM Center on the second floor of Georgetown Public Hospital. Inside, acupuncturist Ji Weipeng treated Totaram, a local resident suffering from back and leg pain, with electro-acupuncture.

A doctor with the Chinese Medical Team performs cupping therapy at Georgetown Public Hospital, Guyana. (Photo by Luiz Branco, People's Daily)

"I used to be in so much pain I couldn't move," Totaram said. After 20 sessions of acupuncture, his herniated lumbar disc improved significantly. "Acupuncture is amazing. Each treatment eased my pain. Now I can walk normally again, and I want to share this with my family and friends."

TCM has become a signature element of the Chinese medical team. "Our clinic is fully booked every day," Ji said. Georgetown Public Hospital CEO Robbie Rambarran added, "As a patient myself, I've experienced the benefits of acupuncture. More and more people here are learning about Chinese medicine. It has become a cultural bridge between our countries."

Beyond TCM, the team covers anesthesiology, surgery, orthopedics, gynecology and ophthalmology. "Without Chinese specialists, many surgeries would not be possible," said Dr. Bibi Hussain, a surgeon at Georgetown Public Hospital.

She recalled a liver tumor resection in January, performed with the guidance of Chinese surgeon Qian Yi using advanced precision techniques. The patient went home after just four days. "In the past, we couldn't treat liver metastases. Now, with Chinese doctors, we've successfully handled many complex cases," Hussain said. "Their expertise has greatly expanded our treatment options."

The team has also launched "Surgery Days" in regional hospitals to strengthen local capacity.

Reaching remote villages

On a recent Saturday, the team traveled two hours from Georgetown to Swan village to host a free clinic.

The Chinese medical team conducts a free clinic in Swan village. (Photo by Luiz Branco, People's Daily)

Despite the heat, villagers gathered early at the community center. Doctors provided blood pressure and glucose tests, health consultations, chronic disease management and free medicines.

"I waited since morning because I knew the Chinese doctors were coming," said Daniels, 59, who attended with her sister. "They checked my blood pressure, explained hypertension, and gave me medicine for my knee pain. The doctors were so patient. I'm glad they came to our doorstep."

The team also donated medical supplies, including disinfectants, masks and thermometers. Swan Village chief Ragnos said, "Our health center still lacks proper facilities, and many people avoid care unless very ill. The Chinese team made healthcare accessible for us. We hope they can visit more often."

In March 2025, the team, with Guyana's Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and Ministry of Health, launched the Healthy Villages program, offering weekend services in remote areas. So far, they have reached 10 villages, benefiting 3,000 residents. Hospital CEO Rambarran said the program has greatly strengthened primary care.

Pictured is a banner promoting the "Healthy Village" program. In March 2025, the Chinese medical team, in cooperation with Guyana's Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and Ministry of Health, launched the "Healthy Villages" program to provide weekend medical services to remote communities and raise health awareness. (Photo by Luiz Branco, People's Daily)

The team also offers physical check-ups and emergency training to social institutions and public organizations. At Georgetown's Hope Children's Home, 36 children recently received health check-ups organized by the Chinese Embassy and the medical team.

"We are very grateful to the Chinese medical team," said Kenneth Finlayden, director of the children's home. "They have made disease prevention and diagnosis easier for our children. We look forward to further cooperation with China to promote child welfare in Guyana."

Building friendship and capacity

At Linden Public Hospital, where another group of Chinese doctors is stationed, conditions are more modest. Team members live in a two-story building near the hospital, where they grow vegetables and raise poultry. "Local residents know us well and greet us warmly," said deputy team leader Feng Liang.

Friendship is a recurring theme. "We've built close bonds," Dr. Hussain said. “Chinese colleagues take me to restaurants, and I show them around Guyana.” Former deputy director of Georgetown Public Hospital David Samaru added, "We often cook together and play basketball. This is true collaboration."

China also supports Guyana through residency training, medical aid funds, scholarships and opportunities for local doctors to study in China. While treating patients, the medical teams also provide education and clinical training, helping develop local talent.

Anesthesiologist Jorien King, who studied in China, even adopted the Chinese name Jin Jiaoyong. "Our Chinese colleagues share advanced techniques freely," he said. "Through cooperating on surgeries, I've mastered procedures that greatly improve safety and pain management."

"Chinese medical teams have not only filled gaps in many specialties, but also helped us master new technologies," Rambarran said. "Their contribution to improving health and well-being here is enormous. More Guyanese doctors are now training in China, laying the foundation for sustainable healthcare development. Looking ahead, China's experience in infrastructure, equipment, and digital healthcare will help us continue improving our system."

The cooperation is ongoing. In July, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Yang Yang and Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony signed a new protocol on medical team collaboration. "We are ready to work with China to write a new chapter of practical and friendly healthcare cooperation," Anthony said.

Over the past 30 years, China has dispatched 20 medical teams, involving 295 personnel. Together, they have treated nearly 1.31 million patients, rescued more than 30,000 critically ill individuals and performed over 70,000 surgeries.