Sixty Fijians have had their eyesight restored after a team from China’s top Ophthalmic Hospital in Guangdong Province conducted free cataract surgeries for two days at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH).
Known as the “Bright Journey” medical team and led by Professor Chen Weirong, the team of four doctors and three nurses arrived into the country on September 15 and conducted surgeries that weekend.
A statement released by the Chinese Embassy in Fiji stated that Chinese ambassador Zhou Jian visited CWMH on Sunday and personally “removed the dressings for the patients regaining sight, who are thankful for the excellent medical skills of the Chinese doctors and China’s continued support for the well-being of the people of Fiji”.
“Having completed over 3000 overseas surgeries in the past 10 years, Prof Chen’s team’s fourth visit to Fiji will help cataract patients return to a normal life, enable them to see their loved ones and the beautiful world, and bring back hope to their families,” the statement read.
“The friendship between people of China and Fiji is further enhanced by Prof Chen’s team. China will continue to support the development of Fiji’s health sector, so as to build a closer China-PICs community with a shared future.”
While welcoming the team to Fiji, Mr Jian said the team would bring hope to many Fijians — enhancing the friendship between Fiji and China.
