9 Guyanese doctors head to China for specialised training

Nine Guyanese doctors are set to travel to China for three months of specialised training and capacity building, in a move expected to strengthen specialist healthcare services in Guyana. The initiative follows a partnership involving the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), the Government of Guyana, the Chinese Medical Brigade and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
Acting as the third cohort of the health personnel training programme where medical professionals will receive direct special training in China, the nine doctors will receive training in ophthalmology, pathology, nephrology, orthopedics, anesthesia, obstetrics and gynecology, plastic surgery and general surgery. The initiative is being facilitated through the continued health partnership between Guyana and the People’s Republic of China. Speaking during the ceremony, China’s Ambassador to Guyana Yang Yang reflected on last year’s cohort of doctors who travelled to China for specialised training, noting that the future remains bright as the programme continues to build on a legacy of medical excellence.

“Last year, seven doctors completed their residency training in China successfully. now another nine doctors will follow their footsteps and further strengthen China-Guyana health cooperation, we hope that more medical professionals in Guyana with strong expertise, international outlook and innovative spirit can be cultivated, thereby supporting the development of Guyana’s healthcare system in the long term.” “Looking ahead, guided by the four global initiatives, China stands ready to work with Guyana to enhance pragmatic health collaboration. together, we are committed to strengthen cooperation in medical technology, personnel training and addressing public health challenges.” Highlighting China’s deep support to Guyana she stated that over the years, bilateral cooperation in the health sector has yielded fruitful results, with successive Chinese medical teams serving in Guyana with unwavering dedication and contributing to the strengthening of the country’s healthcare system. “Chinese Government is also committed to support Guyana’s public health development by donating medical supplies constantly. Among our pragmatic cooperation, human resources development has always been a key area. Alongside their clinical work, the Chinese medical team enthusiastically participated in various national medical education initiatives and clinical teaching programmes in Guyana.” Further, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GPHC, Robbie Rambarran touched on the importance of the initiative in strengthening healthcare services. He also noted that additional equipment and supplies are on the way to further support the country’s healthcare system. “Dr Lee just informed me that he has more supplies and equipment for us. He’s just waiting on the Ministry of health to sign off the donation certificate and we will get those. So while we are training and building that capacity there are also other contribution from the Chinese Government to us in terms of equipment and supplies which we are very grateful for and we thank you.” Meanwhile, Senior Public Relations (PR) Manager of CNOOC, Bayney Karren, highlighted the company’s direct sponsorship of five doctors who will receive specialised training in China
“This donation from CNOOC reflects a part of CPGL’s (CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited) commitment to benefit the people of Guyana through our principles of corporate social responsibility and it is executed under the framework of the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) that CPGL has entered into with the Ministry of Health. CPGL regards very highly the outstanding achievements that have been made by the Ministry of Health in advancing health care in Guyana.”
He also highlighted CPGL’s collaboration with the 21st Chinese Medical Brigade from Jiangsu Province, noting that Chinese medical teams have been supporting Guyana for more than two decades by bringing advanced medical expertise, hard work and dedication to the country’s healthcare sector. According to him, the programme reflects the cooperative spirit between Chinese and Guyanese doctors and aligns with CPGL’s objective of building a bridge of friendship between Guyana and China. He also recognised the contributions of the Chinese Embassy, the Chinese Medical Brigade, the Ministry of Health, the GPHC and other partners involved in implementing the programme. He expressed hope that the latest cohort of doctors would make full use of their training in China and return to Guyana with enhanced experience and skills to continue providing care to patients.