Chinese Surgeon Enhances Healthcare Capabilities in Zimbabwe
Zhang Yueming, a surgeon from China’s Hunan province, is enhancing healthcare in Zimbabwe by extending his service until 2026. He utilizes advanced surgical techniques and trains local medical staff. Despite logistical challenges, he maintains a strong connection with the local community and aims to leave behind a skilled workforce, emphasizing the importance of Sino-African relations.
Zhang Yueming, a surgeon from the Third Hospital of Changsha, Hunan province, began his mission in Africa in March last year and has voluntarily extended his service until March 2026. This decision stems from his commitment to improving Zimbabwe’s healthcare system and strengthening Sino-African relations. He is part of the 21st Chinese (Hunan) Medical Aid Team to Zimbabwe, which recently received the Medal for Meritorious Service, the highest honor for contributions to Zimbabwe.
Upon arriving at Parirenyatwa Hospital, the largest public hospital in Zimbabwe, Zhang noticed the use of outdated surgical techniques. He aims to raise surgical standards and enhance patient recovery by emphasizing less invasive methods. His first significant surgery on a 43-year-old woman, who was severely obese and had complicated gallbladder inflammation, exemplified his dedication. Despite facing obsolete equipment and an unfamiliar environment, he completed the operation in under 30 minutes, gaining respect from local medical professionals.
Zhang’s team has encountered numerous logistical challenges, including borrowing modern equipment and improvising with limited surgical supplies. They have also addressed issues related to patients’ financial constraints affecting their ability to receive treatment. Zhang has additionally focused on building local capacity by conducting over 100 surgical procedures, leading hands-on workshops, and organizing virtual academic forums to introduce advanced medical techniques.
The surgeon’s outreach extends beyond the hospital as he has traveled to remote areas, offering medical services to over 400 patients, often in makeshift clinics. The local population relies on him and his team for free consultations and minor procedures. Zhang emphasizes the trust placed in Chinese doctors by the Zimbabwean people.
His decision to extend his service is fueled by personal and professional motivations, despite the challenges posed by life in Zimbabwe, such as power outages, water shortages, and the constant threat of medical exposure. He acknowledges the difficulties, but appreciates the support of local medical staff and the warm reception from the communities he serves.
Although his work takes a toll on his family life, with interruptions in communication with his 9-year-old son back home, his son’s understanding and pride in his father’s work motivate Zhang to continue. He does express reservations about his son following in his footsteps, citing concerns related to the demanding nature of the profession. Zhang is committed to ensuring a lasting positive impact, stating, “We aim to leave behind a ‘permanent medical team’ — a skilled local workforce.”
In conclusion, Zhang Yueming’s commitment to improving healthcare in Zimbabwe reflects his dedication to professional service and Sino-African collaboration. Through advanced surgical practices, capacity-building efforts, and outreach initiatives, he strives to bridge healthcare gaps and foster local medical expertise. Despite facing numerous challenges, his resolve to make a meaningful impact in Zimbabwean communities remains strong, as he envisions a lasting legacy of skilled healthcare professionals.
Original Source: www.chinadaily.com.cn
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