Medical teams from the People's Republic of China have contributed significantly in the betterment of lives of Batswana over the years, says the Minister of Health, Prof. Sheila Tlou. She said this at the occasion to sign a memorandum of agreement for a Chinese medical team to work in Botswana. The minister said the 12th protocol was developed through consultations between the two governments."The Chinese medical team will comprise of 40 medical staff and six support staff to work in Botswana for three years from the date of their arrival. The eleventh Chinese medical team ends its three year service at the end of this year, 2008,"she explained.She also asserted that this is a view to strengthening friendly cooperative relations between the two countries in the field of medical and health services."The duty of the medical team is to carry out medical work and exchange experiences through their close cooperation and medical practice with the Botswana medical personnel," the minister says.She highlighted that the Chinese medical team will work at Princess Marina hospital and Nyangabgwe hospital during their three year service in Botswana.The minister added that the terms of the 12th protocol have been improved as the Botswana government will provide accommodation and pay the team overtime allowances.
For her part, the Charge d' Affaires of the Embassy of China in Botswana, Ms Wu Jihong, expressed her gratitude for the valuable assistance and care the government of Botswana has consistently rendered to the previous 11 Chinese medical teams during their tenures in Botswana."China and Botswana have been enjoying very friendly relations and excellent cooperation since diplomatic ties were established in 1975,"she said.The Chinese representative noted that after the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in November 2006, the bilateral relationship has ushered in a new chapter, with cooperative fruits continuously achieved in many areas.She added that cooperation in the field of health, which has been marked with success, is an important component of the good overall relations in the two countries."In order to strengthen the friendship, the Chinese government has decided to cover the salaries for the members of the team starting from the 12th batch, which will be sent to Botswana," she explained.
Ms. Wu highlighted that the 11 Chinese medical teams have made their contributions by working closely with their Botswana counterparts in the battle against all kinds of diseases, with HIV/AIDS in particular.

 

Source: BOPA