Barbados - On March 6, the Eighth Chinese Medical Team to Barbados marked a significant milestone in bilateral health cooperation today with the successful handover of a consignment of medical equipment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The donation ceremony, attended by senior officials from both nations, underscored the deepening ties between China and Barbados in the healthcare sector. The Chinese Ambassador to Barbados, Zheng Bingkai; Barbados' newly appointed Minister of Health and Wellness, Lisa Cummins; the Chief Executive Officer of Queen Elizabeth Hospital; and all members of the medical team were present at the event.
Officials attend the medical equipment donation ceremony. (Photo/Cui Kun)
In his address, Ambassador Zheng highlighted that, despite the geographical distance, the peoples of China and Barbados share a deep bond and enduring friendship. He underscored that medical and health cooperation has long been a cornerstone of bilateral relations. “This donation of medical equipment is a tangible demonstration of the Chinese government’s commitment to fulfilling its aid pledges and supporting the development of Barbados’ healthcare sector,” Ambassador Zheng stated.
He praised the dedication of the Eighth Chinese Medical Team since their arrival in Barbados, particularly noting their innovative initiatives, such as the "TCM Friday" program. The initiative has not only alleviated suffering for local residents but also served as a bridge for cultural exchange and people-to-people connectivity. Ambassador Zheng reaffirmed China’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with Barbados to further deepen cooperation in health and wellness.
Minister Lisa Cummins expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese government and people for their generous and selfless support. She acknowledged the long-standing contributions of Chinese medical teams, whose exceptional skills and ethics have been pivotal in safeguarding the health of Barbadians. “The advanced equipment donated today will significantly enhance the diagnostic and treatment capabilities of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, benefiting countless patients,” she noted. Minister Cummins reiterated Barbados’s high regard for its friendship with China and looked forward to broader collaboration in talent development and technical exchanges.
The CEO of Queen Elizabeth Hospital also expressed deep respect for the professionalism and dedication of the Chinese medical team. He remarked that the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) expertise brought by the Eighth Team, together with the newly donated equipment, has effectively complemented the hospital’s specialized services, proving to be an invaluable asset.
Officials from China and Barbados attend the signing ceremony for a cooperation agreement. (Photo/ Cui Kun)
Since its deployment, the Eighth Chinese Medical Team has not only maintained diligent daily clinical services but also actively innovated its approach. Its team-led "TCM Friday" program—featuring therapies such as acupuncture and cupping—has treated over 200 local residents and athletes. A standout success involved supporting the timely recovery of a young injured gymnast, enabling her return to international competition and earning widespread praise from the local community.
The Eighth Chinese Medical Team in Barbados was organized under the leadership of Chongqing People's Hospital, in collaboration with the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Chongqing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital. The nine-member team includes eight clinical specialists and one accompanying chef.