Written by: Jiawei Wang
Proofread by: Jiawei Wang
Edited by: Xianjing Wei
Reviewed by: Xiaoling Liang

An inauguration ceremony of the China-Maldives Ophthalmology Center Assistance and Cooperation Program was held in Hulhumale Hospital on Feb12 with the participation of Vice President of Maldives Faisal Naseem, Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Lixin Wang, the Medical team composed of 4 ophthalmologists and 3 nurses led by Professor Weirong Chen from Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, and other officials from Maldives and China.

Vice President Faisal Naseem expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the China-aided center and the medical team sent by China, and voiced his confidence in strengthening China-Maldives relations. He said that the program not only benefits local patients but also provides an excellent opportunity to train local doctors and nurses in Ophthalmology.

Minister of State for Health Shah Abdullah Mahir said that the China-aided advanced equipment and professional training will greatly improve the service of the Center and bring an elevated standard of care for the Maldivian citizens.

Ambassador Lixin Wang said that China to Maldives's medical aid model shifting from "giving people fish" to "teaching people how to fish" will not only set up a new model of sustainable cooperation between the two countries, but also bring profound benefits to the local people.

Professor Wearing Chen, head of the medical team said that the program will assist Hulhumale Hospital in diagnosis and treatment of ophthalmic diseases, with the priority on training local medical professionals to enable them to independently complete the diagnosis and treatment of common ophthalmic diseases. Professor Chen said that as the program planned, the local medical staff will be invited to China for professional training as well.

The Chinese ophthalmologist gave eye examination to local patients on Feb 4. (Photo by Hongliang Che)

During their staying at Hulhumale Hospital, the medical team gave consultation and surgeries on a daily base. They also provided lectures and training for local medical staff at both theoretical and practical levels. For example, the first training section focused on glaucoma diagnosis standardization and Do’s and Don’ts in the operating theater for doctors and pre-operation eye preparation for nurses.

At the inauguration ceremony, Ambassador Wang and Professor Chen donated a batch of medical equipment to Hulhumale Hospital on behalf of China's National Health Commission and Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, based in Guangdong Province in South China.

The Chinese ophthalmologist gave surgical instruction to a local ophthalmologist on Feb 8.

(Photo by Hongliang Che)