The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) joined the Ministry of Health in honouring the 21st Chinese Medical Brigade and welcoming the 22nd Chinese Medical Brigade during a farewell and welcome ceremony held at Cara Lodge.
This partnership began in the early 1990s, when the first Chinese Medical Brigade supported Guyana by not only providing medical supplies but also carrying out critical outreaches across the country. Since then, several brigades have served in Guyana, contributing to various areas at GPHC, Linden Public Hospital, and other public healthcare facilities nationwide.
In attendance were the Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony; Mr. Robbie Rambarran, Chief Executive Officer of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation; Dr. David Samaroo, Director of Medical and Professional Services (ag); Secretaries of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China; senior hospital officials; and hospital personnel with whom the team worked during its one year at GPHC.
Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony, said each medical brigade has left valuable skills and experience with its Guyanese colleagues.
“It has become a tradition that when these brigades come, they leave something behind,” Minister Anthony said. “I am sure the 21st Brigade has left many skills with our local colleagues, allowing us to continue improving the care provided to patients.”
The Minister also encouraged the departing members to maintain the professional relationships and friendships developed during their stay in Guyana.
Chief Executive Officer Mr. Robbie Rambarran thanked the team for its service, knowledge transfer, and contribution to expanding specialised care at GPHC.
“You are leaving GPHC a better place than when you came,” the CEO said. “We thank you for your clinical service, the teaching you have done, the exchange programme and the donation of equipment that allowed us to expand the range of services we provide.”
Head of the 21st Chinese Medical Brigade, Dr. Li Huansong, reflected on the team’s work in orthopaedics, gynaecology, ophthalmology, public health and other areas. He noted that team members performed complex spinal and laparoscopic surgeries, supported clinical training and contributed to public health initiatives focused on chronic diseases and nutrition.
The partnership between Guyana and the People’s Republic of China also allowed nine GPHC doctors to travel to China for three months of specialised training.
As GPHC said farewell to the 21st Brigade, the hospital also welcomed the members of the 22nd Chinese Medical Brigade, who are currently preparing to commence their assignment in Guyana. The incoming team was encouraged to build upon the strong foundation established by previous brigades and to continue working closely with local professionals to strengthen knowledge-sharing, expand their experience, and contribute to Guyana’s healthcare capacity.
The ceremony concluded with the GPHC team expressing heartfelt thanks to the 21st Chinese Medical Brigade for its dedicated service and warmly welcoming the 22nd team. Tokens of appreciation were exchanged as both sides reflected on the enduring friendship and shared commitment.
Source: Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation/Facebook
