BY MORRIS NAFU
Recently, a Health Delegation from Guizhou Province, China, arrived in Malaita Province, Solomon Islands, for a one-day official visit and exchange.
The visit aims to deepen health cooperation between China and Solomon Islands, and further strengthen the friendship between the two governments and peoples, a recent statement by the China medical team said.
Upon arrival at Malaita port, Government officials and local residents warmly greeted the Chinese guests with garlands, singing, and dancing, creating a festive and friendly atmosphere.
The delegation later met with Deputy Premier Randol Sifoni at the Provincial Government.
The meeting was chaired by Provincial Secretary Eric George, the statement by China medical team said. On behalf of the Malaita Provincial Government, Deputy Premier Mr Sifoni delivered a welcoming speech, expressing sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Guizhou delegation for the visit.
In his remarks, the Deputy Premier highly commended the long-term, selfless contributions of the China Medical Team to the people of Solomon Islands, especially those of Malaita Province.
He noted that the team’s professional services in urology, cardiology, nephrology, and traditional Chinese acupuncture have brought hope and healing to local patients.
The joint China–Solomon Islands cardiac and urological surgeries mark a new era in the country’s healthcare system—allowing Solomon Islanders to receive high-quality medical care domestically, saving lives while reducing government expenditure, the statement said.
Tan Zheng, Secretary of the Guizhou Provincial Health Commission and head of the delegation, also addressed the meeting.
She reviewed the steady progress of bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Solomon Islands, emphasising the fruitful health cooperation between Guizhou and Malaita.
Ms Tan noted that since 2022, Guizhou has dispatched four batches—totaling 30 members—of Chinese medical teams to Solomon Islands.
Many of these teams have traveled to Malaita to provide free medical services, serving over 1,200 local residents and offering acupuncture, cardiology, and urology treatments to more than 4,000 patients from the province, the China medical team said.
These services have been warmly welcomed by the people of Malaita Province.
Tan also mentioned that in August this year, China’s National Health Commission approved the establishment of the China–Solomon Islands Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture Centre, marking a new phase of bilateral cooperation.
Two acupuncture experts accompanying the delegation will conduct one week of mobile acupuncture clinics across Malaita Province, providing treatment and relief to local patients, the statement said.
Tan added that Guizhou Province hopes to make full use of the medical team and acupuncture center projects as platforms to further deepen cooperation with the Malaita Provincial Government.
Tan also extended a cordial invitation for the Malaita Premier to visit Guizhou at a convenient time to advance practical collaboration in the health sector and beyond.
In his concluding remarks, Provincial Secretary Mr George, on behalf of the Malaita Provincial Government, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for Guizhou Province’s consistent care and support.
He praised the China Medical Team members’ dedication and professionalism, noting that their efforts have earned the deep respect of the people of Malaita Province and forged strong interprovincial and people-to-people ties.
He expressed hope that both sides would continue to expand cooperation in healthcare, personnel training, and public health for greater achievements in the future.
The delegation also visited Kiluufi Hospital for an on-site inspection and listened to briefings from hospital leaders on departmental operations and assistance needs, the China medical team statement said.
This visit has further solidified the friendship between Malaita and Guizhou, marking a new stage of health cooperation between the two provinces.
It has also injected fresh momentum into improving the well-being of the Chinese and Solomon Islands peoples and promoting local collaboration and shared development, the statement said.
Photo: Supplied
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
