Chongqing - Under sunny skies and gentle sea breezes in Barbados, the 8th Chinese Medical Team to Barbados held a community clinic in a local neighborhood during Whit Monday, a traditional public holiday. At the invitation of Dr. Romel O. Springer, Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary, the team delivered medical services directly to local residents.

The clinic offered a wide range of services, including blood pressure and blood glucose monitoring, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) acupuncture, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, and general health consultations. The Chinese doctors’ expertise and dedication were widely praised by the local community.

During the event, the medical team provided free blood pressure and glucose screenings, identifying several residents at risk of hypertension. Dr. Cui Kun, leader of the 8th Chinese Medical Team to Barbados and Deputy Director and Chief Physician of the Department of Cardiology at Chongqing General Hospital, provided one-on-one health guidance to high-risk individuals. He offered detailed advice on daily salt intake, healthy routines, follow-up care, and medication management. Using clear and accessible language, he translated medical knowledge into practical health tips that local residents could easily understand and apply.

Dr. Cui Kun provides one-on-one health guidance to a local resident.

The TCM acupuncture area also drew significant attention. Many residents suffering from chronic neck, shoulder, lower back, and leg pain came for treatment. TCM practitioner Mu Qiujie provided free acupuncture to nearly 20 patients. Through individualized treatment, many Barbadians received acupuncture for the first time and gained firsthand exposure to traditional Chinese medicine. The service not only provided medical care but also offered local residents an opportunity to learn more about a traditional aspect of Chinese culture.

TCM practitioner Mu Qiujie provides free acupuncture treatment for a patient.

In addition to diagnosis and treatment, the team focused on strengthening local residents’ ability to respond to emergencies. Dr. Cui Hong conducted CPR training, explaining key procedures, compression rate and depth, and demonstrating proper techniques. During the hands-on session, residents actively participated while Dr. Cui Hong patiently corrected their movements, creating an engaging and interactive learning environment. The training helped bring life-saving knowledge into the community, giving residents practical skills and greater confidence in responding to emergencies.

Dr. Cui Hong conducts CPR training for local residents.

Alongside its community outreach efforts, the Chinese medical team's clinical work at the local hospital has also earned recognition. On May 29, 2026, Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados announced its monthly awards, naming Dr. Cui Kun Employee of the Month.

Following the successful completion of Barbados' first intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided complex coronary intervention, led by Dr. Cui Kun and his colleagues, the hospital's cardiology team was also named Team of the Month. The recognition highlights the impact of the team's contributions to patient care and medical services in Barbados.

The award marks the first time in recent years that a member of a Chinese medical team has received Queen Elizabeth Hospital's Employee of the Month honor, reflecting growing recognition of the team's professional expertise and clinical work.

The Chinese medical team receiving the monthly awards at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Since beginning his assignment in Barbados, Dr. Cui Kun has worked on the front line of the cardiology department at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, focusing on addressing local gaps in cardiovascular care. In addition to providing clinical treatment, he has supported technical training and professional capacity building.

Previously, Barbados lacked IVUS-guided techniques for coronary interventions, limiting treatment options for some complex coronary artery disease cases. To help address this gap, Dr. Cui Kun successfully performed the country's first intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided complex coronary intervention, adapting the procedure to the clinical needs of local patients.

The technology enables physicians to assess coronary lesions with greater precision, improving the accuracy and safety of complex interventions. Its introduction has expanded local treatment capabilities and helped advance the standard of care for patients with complex coronary heart disease.

Group photo of the 8th Chinese Medical Team to Barbados.

From community clinics to advanced hospital procedures, and from TCM acupuncture to CPR training, the 8th Chinese Medical Team to Barbados has provided a wide range of medical services and professional support during its mission. The recognition received by both Dr. Cui Kun and the hospital's cardiology team reflects the impact of the team's work and its contributions to healthcare cooperation between China and Barbados.

The 8th Chinese Medical Team to Barbados is led by Chongqing General Hospital in collaboration with The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, and Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children. The team consists of nine members, including eight medical specialists and one chef.

Going forward, the team will continue to provide medical services, health education, technical assistance, and professional training, while supporting medical exchanges between China and Barbados. Through these efforts, it aims to contribute to the development of Barbados' healthcare sector and further strengthen ties between the two countries.