By Eleanor Gee

Free medical services by Chinese medical teams are being provided in Nuku’alofa, under a two-year volunteer program that began last year.

The first six health specialists are providing anaesthesia, emergency services, eye services, ultrasound, and laboratory and psychiatry services. They have been in Tonga for six-months from the National Health Commission of China.

A second medical team who arrive in Nuku’alofa next week will replace the team, and serve the same duration.

Zhang Yong, an anaesthetist, said they had been busy working mainly in Vaiola Hospital.

They also worked at the hospital in Vava’u and visited two communities and provided health examinations.

He said Tongan doctors at the hospitals are excellent but there are challenges with limited resources.

“They try their best to provide better health care. But there are some problems, such as the surgical ward, there are only four doctors, and they do everything.”

“But if the patient has a serious problem, it is difficult for them. So, they need more specialists here.”

The team also visited Tonga High School and gave a health lecture to educate students how to look after their teeth and eyes, as well as how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) among other things.

In addition, they donated books on science, sports, culture and exercise to the school.

Staff at Tanoa International Dateline Hotel staff  also received free medical examinations.

Zhang said they have been busy checking blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, and performing ultrasounds.

The first group arrived in Tonga last July from different cities and hospitals in Shandong Province, with medical supplies worth around $124,000 pa’anga. 

 “I think it is important to check their health and if we find any problems we can resolve it, so they can provide better service for many people.”

“The people here, including the doctors, and people in the villages are all friendly. We all enjoyed the life here and we have been working here for half a year. Time flies.”