Chinese military doctors offer help in medical services in Mozambique

MAPUTO, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- A team of nine military medical experts from China have helped more than 1,000 patients since they started offering medical services two weeks ago at Maputo Military Hospital (MMH) in Mozambique.

The experts work in different professions including surgery, radiography, orthopedics, ophthalmology, endocrinology, physiotherapy, gastroenterology and otolaryngology, which are the weakest areas in hospitals of Mozambique.

According to the director of the Health department of National Defense Ministry, Agueda Duarte, those experts were sent after a study done in Mozambique.

"Targeted areas are those where national hospitals have the largest gaps. Although the team will only stay two months in Mozambique, it is a good opportunity to help raise the level of military medical care in Mozambique," said the director in a dialogue with the experts on Monday in Maputo.

Besides providing medical services, the experts will also look into the whole situation of the medical condition in the hospital and try to find out what is most in need.

Chinese medical team leader Wu Yan explained to Xinhua that in this first phase the problems will be reported and subsequently dealt with.

"We are taking note of the problems presented by our Mozambican colleagues, as this is a cooperation program between Mozambique and China, certainly there will be a solution to improve the health and infrastructure conditions of the military hospitals in Mozambique," he said.

Wu added that even without advanced technology equipment the doctors have done a good job in terms of providing medical treatments.

In the first two weeks after they arrived, Chinese doctors were working with their local colleagues and helped more than 1,000 patients at MMH.

"They are very dynamic, they support us in everything. We're just sorry they found us in conditions like these, with obsolete equipments, but they managed to adapt themselves," said Domingos Viegas, a military doctor since 2002 at MMH.

Fernando Macamero, a 46-year-old patient, said he felt good after being treated by a Chinese doctor, who he said was efficient and professional.

"This kind of cooperation (in health) with countries like China is welcomed here. I hope they continue with this work," said Macamero.

The deputy director of MMH, Joao Pinheiro, told Xinhua on Wednesday that it is a good experience they are having with Chinese military doctors.

"This is the first time we have received a team of military doctors from China, we hope this type of cooperation will continue and stay longer," Pinheiro stressed. Enditem