The 22nd Chinese medical team currently stationed in Zimbabwe has provided medical care to more than 7,000 patients since beginning their mission in March this year.
Comprising 11 specialists in fields ranging from neurology to orthopedics, the team has been delivering free consultations and performing surgeries across various parts of the country, with a strong focus on reaching underserved and remote communities.
“Many people in rural areas struggle to access proper healthcare, so we’ve made it a priority to reach out through voluntary medical visits,” said orthopedist Dr. Zhang Xiong, during an interview in Harare on Sunday.
As part of their efforts, several team members offer weekly outpatient care at the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Centre housed within Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. This includes alternative therapies to treat chronic conditions using TCM methods, which many patients are beginning to embrace.
“For some conditions, TCM is not only safer but also more affordable for local patients,” Zhang noted.
Dr. Gao Juhua, a neurologist on the team, highlighted a growing concern with chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes among Zimbabweans, many of whom lack basic knowledge about managing their illnesses.
“Our free clinics provide an entry point for check-ups, and we offer advice on medication use and healthy lifestyle choices,” she said.
Beyond treatment, the medical team has played a key role in knowledge transfer, conducting training sessions that have so far benefited around 100 local healthcare professionals. These sessions aim to boost clinical expertise and improve healthcare delivery in the country.
Dr. Li Jie, a respiratory specialist from Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, explained that their institution has partnered with Parirenyatwa Hospital since 2022 to support critical care and respiratory medicine programs.
“Through this collaboration, we’ve been able to send top specialists to Zimbabwe and help strengthen Parirenyatwa’s capacity by offering consistent training to local staff,” said Li.
Since 1985, China has sent 22 medical teams to Zimbabwe, playing a significant role in enhancing healthcare services and promoting medical cooperation between the two nations.
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