By Malek Arol
Juba Teaching Hospital on Thursday graduated the third batch of medical workers from three months “Chinese Bridge” and Chinese Language Training Courses.
China Medical Team led by The Dr. Xu Zhangwei conducted the language training to help the national health personnel to read drug labels in Chinese texts, at their workplace in the hospital.
Medical workers who enrolled in the Chinese language course were drawn from various units within Juba teaching hospital.
Director General of Juba Teaching Hospital, Dr. Anthony Lupia said that besides training medical workers in Chinese language, the government of China has been sending medical teams to help South Sudanese in the health sector.
The Director General recounts other contributions of the government of China to South Sudan, which include the hospital hall.
“We are now enjoying the hall, which is the extension of the hospital that the people of China have given to the people of South Sudan,” Dr. Lupia said.
The Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan, H.E. Ma Qiang was pleased that the students (medical workers) understand Chinese within a short period of time.
“I’m very happy that after only three months, you have a deep understanding of Chinese”, Amb. Qiang said.
The Ambassador traced the China-South Sudan relationship back in the 1960s.
“This year marks the 60th year of China-South Sudan relationship as the first Chinese Medical Team was sent in 1963,” Ambassador Qiang said.
Undersecretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ader Macar Aciek said that the friendship between China and South Sudan is a true friendship.
“A friend in need is a friend indeed,” Dr. Aciek said.
The Undersecretary also urged the Chinese Embassy to revive a 2013 agreement between China and South Sudan, which was meant to erect 100 health facilities in the country.
Dr. Ader further praised the China Medical Team for their teamwork spirit in working with national personnel to improve the health conditions of South Sudanese.