Recently, the 14th batch of the Chinese Medical Team to Papua New Guinea (PNG) traveled deep into the Western Highlands and Enga Provinces, offering free medical services and health education to local communities. More than 140 patients received free treatment during the outreach, which was warmly welcomed by local residents and healthcare workers.
According to Dr. Chen Zijun, team leader of the 14th Chinese Medical Team and a cardiologist, the free clinic not only delivered tangible medical assistance to residents in remote areas of PNG, but also strengthened local trust in Chinese doctors and promoted deeper people-to-people exchanges and health cooperation between China and PNG.
Dr. Chen noted that the medical team was composed of multidisciplinary experts in cardiology, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), nephrology, urology, and neonatology. Services provided included health consultations, blood pressure and glucose tests, diagnosis of common diseases, medication guidance, echocardiography, and TCM treatments. The free clinics were conducted in various remote communities including Mount Hagen, Wabag, and Enga Provincial Hospital.
In Mount Hagen, the team also organized specialized health lectures for both medical staff and the general public. Dr. Hou Bonan gave an engaging presentation on the unique therapeutic benefits of TCM acupuncture, while Dr. Li Shiling delivered a clear and accessible lecture on the prevention and treatment of childhood diarrhea, both of which were well-received by the audience.
The medical team also visited Mount Hagen General Hospital and Enga Provincial Hospital to conduct on-site research, share technical expertise, and exchange hospital management experience. They also studied local disease patterns and public health habits, providing essential data to support future targeted medical aid programs.
At Enga Provincial Hospital, the team not only provided one-on-one specialist consultations in cardiology, nephrology, and urology but also conducted ward rounds in the neonatal department and live demonstrations of acupuncture techniques, fostering mutual learning and collaboration between Chinese and PNG medical professionals.
“The professionalism and patience of the Chinese doctors deeply moved us,” said one local patient after receiving treatment.
Dr. Chen remarked that the team’s high level of expertise and compassionate care received unanimous praise from both patients and local healthcare workers, with many expressing the hope that such free clinics could be held on a regular basis.
“This free clinic not only provided practical medical assistance, but also deepened the trust and friendship between the people of PNG and Chinese doctors, further promoting cooperation and exchange in the public health sector,” said Dr. Chen Zijun, Team Leader of the Chinese Medical Team.
Since its deployment, the Chinese Medical Team to PNG has remained committed to improving grassroots healthcare conditions and deepening the friendship between China and Papua New Guinea.
