China Medical Team Provides Free Medical Services ...

China Medical Team Provides Free Medical Services in Beitbridge, Zimbabwe

From December 10th to 13th, the 21st China Medical Team traveled 700 kilometers from Harare to Beitbridge, a town located on Zimbabwe’s southern border with South Africa. The journey, lasting 12 hours, brought the team to an area known for its harsh climate and limited medical resources.

The two-day medical mission saw the team setting up clinics at the XinTai Resources Palm River Energy Metallurgical Special Zone and a local community clinic. Despite the extreme heat, with temperatures soaring as high as 45°C indoors, the medical professionals offered high-quality services to both Chinese and Zimbabwean employees at the park, as well as to local villagers.

The team conducted blood pressure and electrocardiogram tests, provided traditional Chinese acupuncture treatments, offered specialist medical consultations, and educated the public on the prevention and treatment of malaria, AIDS, tick bites, as well as snake and insect bites.

Additionally, they donated medications to businesses within the park and distributed health science books compiled by the medical team.

Dr. Tan Jianlong, captain of the 21st China Medical Team, commented on the challenges of delivering healthcare in the region: “The medical resources in Zimbabwe are extremely scarce, particularly in border areas. Poor transportation means that local villagers often face long waits for routine medical appointments. For major illnesses, they must travel at least 6-8 hours to central city hospitals for treatment.”

The team also expressed its commitment to advancing the “One Province, One Village” clinic initiative proposed by the Chinese embassy in Zimbabwe. This initiative aims to bring healthcare services to remote and impoverished mountainous areas, enhancing the China-Africa Health Partnership.