The China government continues to dispatch medical teams to Namibia to contribute to the provision of health care and strengthen the long and profound ties of friendship between the two countries since 1996.  The 15th Chinese medical team were welcomed at an event that took place at Katutura State Hospital yesterday in Windhoek, with the 14th team set to leave Namibia soon this year.

Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula said, “The presence of these teams in our health facilities has enriched the services delivered to our patients. We appreciate and value the services rendered by the Chinese medical teams and contributions they have made to the health of Namibian people.”

He remarked that over the past 27 years, the generosity of the fraternal people of China has been demonstrated through the work of the medical teams that have given the gift of good health to thousands of Namibians at no cost.  “The 14th Chinese medical team worked hard and made remarkable achievements over the past one and a half years,” he said.

He further urged for their work to continue deepening the strong bonds between the two countries and that there are many more aspects in the health sector where the two countries can work together in terms of the agreement signed between the two countries.  Chinese Ambassador Zhao Weiping said, “I hope that the 15th batch of Chinese medical team, headed by Dr Li, will follow the example of their predecessors and make an even greater contribution to the medical service of Namibia.” 

He said China will also provide more scholarships and training programmes for Namibian health personnel.  The fifteenth medical team representative said, “We may face new challenges in the new environment; the embassy is our strongest reliance, and we will try our best to get familiar with and adapt to the work and life in Namibia as soon as possible.” - vamutenya9@gamil.com