China donates $136 000 in medical equipment to QEH

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has received a significant boost to its healthcare services through the donation of medical equipment and supplies valued at more than $136 000 from the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

The contribution, officially handed over during a ceremony at the QEH on Friday, strengthens ongoing cooperation between Barbados and China in the health sector and supports the work of Chinese healthcare professionals currently serving on the island.

Chinese Ambassador to Barbados Zheng Bingkai said the donation formed part of continued bilateral collaboration aimed at improving the nation’s healthcare capacity.

Amb Zheng said: “In line with the agreement on the assignment of Chinese healthcare personnel to Barbados and the agreement on sending a China medical team to Barbados, the Chinese government has committed to providing medical equipment and materials to support the work of the China medical team.

“Today we are officially handing over the equipment and the materials valued over Barbados dollar $136 000.

“These medical resources will enhance the capital’s medical capacity and directly benefit the people of Barbados. The contribution by the Chinese government will deepen our bilateral cooperation in the healthcare sector and strengthen the bonds of friendship between our two peoples.”

The ambassador also highlighted the long-standing presence of Chinese medical teams in Barbados, who have assisted in several areas of the island’s healthcare system.

“Since 2016, China has sent eight medical teams to Barbados with a total of 34 doctors and nurses. All doctors and the nurses and the specialists have upheld the core values of the China medical team … committed to dedication, heal the wounded, and rescue the dying.

“With this newly donated medical supplies, the team will continue to serve the Barbadian people with distinction, with close collaboration with the QEH colleagues as well.”

QEH chief executive Neil Clarke said the donation would directly support a number of departments at the hospital.

“These resources will support several areas of our hospital and will directly enhance our ability to deliver safe, timely and high-quality care for the people of Barbados,” Clarke said.

He explained that the items included in this year’s donation would strengthen clinical services across the institution.

“The equipment included in this year’s donation, such as medical beds, infant incubators and specialised medical instruments, will strengthen our clinical services and support our teams in providing the care that our patients deserve.”

Clarke also pointed to the longstanding assistance provided by China to the hospital over the years.

“The contribution builds on a long history of support from the government and people of the People’s Republic of China,” he said.

“Over the years, those donations have included anaesthetic machines, ultrasound systems, vital sign monitors, specialised diagnostic equipment, surgical supplies, and other essential medical resources. Each of these contributions has played a role in strengthening our hospital’s capacity and improving patients’ outcomes.”

Minister of Health and Wellness Senator Lisa Cummins also expressed gratitude to the Chinese government, highlighting the enduring diplomatic and development partnership between the two countries.

She noted that Barbados and China have maintained a close relationship over many years through diplomatic engagement and cooperation across multiple sectors.

“As many of you know, we have had a long-standing relationship with the government and the people of China,” she said, adding that successive ambassadors and diplomatic staff have worked closely with the government.

“I’m very pleased this morning to be here with them specifically on the issue of healthcare partnerships and healthcare collaborations, and specifically this morning to receive the donation given graciously by the government and people of China to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.”