Hundreds to get free cataract surgery from Chinese medical mission

Hundreds of Jamaicans are to benefit from free cataract surgery later this year thanks to the Chinese Bright Journey Medical Mission.

This was disclosed when the mission team, which comprised of representatives from the Beijing Friendship and Tongren hospitals, and the Beijing Health and Family Planning Commission, together with Chinese Ambassador Tian Qi – made a courtesy call on Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton at the Ministry of Health in Kingston last week.

“We are very pleased that you have identified a need here in Jamaica and have agreed to contribute to addressing that need. This particular area of eye care is an underserved area in Jamaica and so we are very happy to have the support,” Tufton said.

“We are big on partnerships in Jamaica and public health requires partnerships. No one country will have all the solutions, and the partnerships in health, between ourselves and China, have increased and are increasing,” Tufton added, noting that a group of 18 Jamaican nurses and five of their tutors are now in China for clinical training.

Ambassador Tian said his government is happy to provide the support and is keen on exploring new avenues for collaboration with Jamaica.

“I think our cooperation in health is very important. We are ready to do more in the interest of the people,” he noted.

The medical mission later this year will be Bright Journey’s second visit to the island.

In May 2015, more than 200 Jamaicans benefitted from free cataract surgeries at the Kingston Public Hospital.

The hospital was also provided with medical equipment and supplies valued at US$400,000.

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