Barbados —The Eighth Chinese Medical Team to Barbados has launched its first nationwide medical outreach program, expanding clinical services and health education across community-based polyclinics in Barbados.
The initiative, held April 15–16 under a theme “Stay Away from Pain, Enjoy Life,” combines medical consultations with public health education and is designed as a sustained, weekly outreach program across the country.
Members of the Chinese Medical Team deliver a “Know Your Sugar” health lecture on diabetes prevention and control in Barbados.
Barbados’ polyclinics — government-run primary healthcare facilities serving local communities in each parish — will host the Chinese medical team on a rotating basis, with one facility visited each week.
The program was developed in coordination with Barbados’ Ministry of Health and Wellness and with support from the Chinese Embassy in Barbados.
At the launch activities, Lei Hao, economic and commercial counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Barbados, attended along with Zhang Qing of the Chinese embassy and Donna Barker of the Ministry of Health and Wellness official in Barbados.
The first outreach sessions were conducted at the Randal Phillips Polyclinic in Christ Church Parish and the Eunice Gibson Polyclinic in St. Michael Parish.
Chinese Medical Team members conduct consultations at the Randal Phillips Polyclinic in Barbados.
The Randal Phillips Polyclinic serves communities in Barbados’ southern coastal region, including Oistins and surrounding residential areas. The Eunice Gibson Polyclinic is located in the Warrens commercial district, a rapidly developing business area in St. Michael.
Over the two-day period, the medical team provided consultations, physical examinations and treatment services to more than 60 residents.
In addition to clinical care, the team delivered health education sessions focused on chronic disease prevention. Cui Hong gave two English-language lectures titled “Know Your Sugar” and “Manage Healthy Weight,” addressing diabetes prevention and healthy lifestyle management.
Participants attend a health lecture titled “Know Your Sugar,” focusing on diabetes awareness and prevention.
Orthopedic specialist Hu Wei provided consultations on musculoskeletal conditions, offering diagnosis and rehabilitation guidance for patients with joint and back pain.
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioner Mu Qiujie provided acupuncture treatments for residents suffering from chronic pain, including neck, shoulder and knee conditions. Patients reported noticeable relief following treatment.
Officials said the program integrates clinical services, preventive education and traditional Chinese medicine as part of a broader effort to improve community health and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The Eighth Chinese Medical Team to Barbados was organized by Chongqing People’s Hospital, in collaboration with the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, the Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Chongqing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital. The nine-member team consists of eight medical professionals and one accompanying chef.
The outreach program is expected to continue weekly across Barbados’ polyclinic network, expanding access to healthcare services and strengthening people-to-people ties between China and Barbados.