Free Medical Screening for Savai’i residents

PRESS RELEASE

APIA, SAMOA – 13 DECEMBER 2021: The Embassy of China in Samoa and the Government of Samoa (through the Ministry of Health) co-organized a Free Medical Screening Program for select local communities in Savaii on 9 and 10 December.

The Free Medical Screening was implemented by the Chinese Medical Team in Samoa that provided medical services including the measurement of blood glucose levels, blood pressure monitoring and diagnosis and treatment for common diseases.

Through the partnership with the Ministry of Health, additional services were also made available including audiology testing, ears nose and throat consultation and basic eye (ophthalmic) examinations.

At the conclusion of the screening Program around 252 local residents from these communities had been medically screened and consulted.

The program commenced with a keynote speech by the Honourable Valasi Toogamaga Tafito Selesele, Minister of Health followed by His Excellency Chao Xiaoliang, Ambassador of China to Samoa.

The Minister of Health reflected on the history of extensive medical assistance from China to Samoa which included visiting Chinese specialists, humanitarian assistance and human resource development.

China’s Ambassador Chao Xiaoliang handing over PPEs donated by the Embassy to two district hospitals in Savai’i.

Ambassador Chao Xiaoliang referred to health as the most important treasure of life and everybody must take care of their health for which regular check-ups are essential. The Ambassador thanked the Ministry of Health, the villages and district hospitals involved and all the participants for being a part of the event and expressed his willingness for enhancing cooperation in the medical field for the two countries.

The Chinese Embassy donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to both the communities and Sataua & Fuailalo District Hospitals at the end of the launch ceremony.

The Chinese government started sending medical teams to Samoa to provide voluntary medical services to Samoan people since 1980s. Up to now, over 130 medical professionals of 19 medical teams have worked in various hospitals in Samoa. Since 2018, China has enhanced Chinese medical team aid and selected experienced doctors from top hospitals to work in Samoa for half-year terms.

The current team of CMT consists of 8 medical professionals currently working at the national TTM hospital at Motootua.

In addition to their clinical services provided at TTM Hospital, they have also conducted free medical clinics in local communities.

Villagers waiting in line for medical screening.