China gives $500,000 in medical aid

By Adel Fruean 29 November 2018, 12:00AM

The Chinese Embassy has donated medicine and medical equipment valued at $500,000 tala to the Ministry of Health.

The Chinese Ambassador to Samoa, Wang Xuefeng and the Minister for Health Tuitama Dr. Leao Talalelei Tuitama held a press conference on Wednesday at the Ministry of Health to announce the donation. 

Mr. Xuefeng said the donation is part of an agreement between the Governments of the People’s Republic of China and Samoa and is connection to the work of a Chinese medical team that is currently deployed in Samoa. 

“During the two years when the Chinese medical teams are working in Samoa, the Chinese government will provide a certain amount of medicine, equipment, materials to Samoan government in each year.

“Today’s donation is of the first batch of donation which includes the much-needed surgical instruments for cataract and brain surgery as well as some essential drugs. We hope these will be helpful for doctors in providing medical services to as many patients as possible,” he said.

The ambassador said it was his wish that the medicine and medical equipment will benefit more Samoan patients and will mark the closer cooperation in the medical field between China and Samoa.

Speaking on behalf of the Government, Tuitama Dr. Leao Talalelei Tuitama thanked the Chinese Government for their assistance towards Samoa’s health sector.

“On behalf of the Government of Samoa, I would like to thank your Excellency, Wang Xuefeng and the Government of the People’s Republic of China with your boundless assistance, with safeguarding health as a priority in ensuring healthy lives and promoting the wellbeing for all in Samoa.

“This aid is just one of the many assistance depicting close ties between Samoa and China, in which earlier this year six medical doctors were attached to Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital for a period of six months.

“It is with the intention that this will be a continuous practice between the governments of the People’s Republic of China and Samoa,” he said.

Samoa and China gained a lot from the health services agreement according to the Minister.

“According to the memorandum of understanding, in each year the Chinese Government will provide a certain amount of medicine, equipment and medical team to the Samoan Government,” he added. 

By Adel Fruean 29 November 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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