China’s free medical service to Ugandans
NAKASEKE: Mary Nabunya, 61, has had internal chest pain for a long time. Visits to her village health centre in Kakoola, in the central Ugandan district of Nakaseke, had not helped, as there were constant reports of drug shortages and lack of specialists.
So when Nabunya heard a Chinese medical team was visiting a neighbouring village for a one-day medical camp, she could not miss it. For her, it was a chance to get the much-needed medication free.
Last month, Nabunya picked up her friend Janet Nakyazze and headed to the medical camp that was sponsored by China’s state enterprises, China CAMC Engineering Co Ltd and ZTE Uganda Ltd.
Although Nabunya and her friend came early in the morning, they had to brave the long queues to be able to see the medical experts stationed at Kapeeka Secondary School.
“I’ve had a lot of pain in my chest and I also cough a lot, but now that I have the medication, I hope I will get better,” Nabunya said.
This medical camp is one of many the Chinese medical experts carry out in rural Uganda when they take a break from hospital work in the capital, Kampala.
Since 1983, China has sent more than 18 medical teams to Uganda, consisting of 200 experts. The teams, with support from Chinese companies, have traversed different parts of the country, providing health care.
“Over the past 35 years, the Chinese medical team has treated thousands of Ugandan patients. Besides working in the hospital, we train interns and staff,” said Cong Linhai, head of the medical team.
Chinese ambassador to Uganda Zheng Zhuqiang told a gathering at Kapeeka Secondary School that besides trade and economic relations, China also cared about a healthy population. He noted China had previously donated a hospital, medicines and medical equipment.
In areas where medical camps have been held, local leaders hailed the Chinese medical team for extending their services to remote areas.
“Medical services are very expensive, and when someone provides it free, then we must thank them,” said Tom Sserwanga, chairman of Kayunga district, in central Uganda.
Ignatius Koomu, chairperson of Nakaseke district, said the medical team had eased the burden of staff or drug shortages, especially in remote parts of the country.
“In our health centres, most times the drugs are not enough and the medical people are rarely on duty, but these Chinese medical people have come with medicines and also treated our people,” he said.
Chinese companies operating in Uganda say they have a responsibility to give back to the communities. – Xinhua