Chinese Surgeon Enhances Healthcare Infrastructure in Zimbabwe
Zhang Yueming, a Chinese surgeon, extended his mission in Zimbabwe to bolster healthcare services. A member of a medical aid team, he has modernized surgical practices, trained local staff, and provided medical outreach to underserved areas. Despite the challenges, he remains steadfast in his commitment to improving healthcare and leaving a lasting legacy by building local medical capacity.
Zhang Yueming, a surgeon from the Third Hospital of Changsha in Hunan province, began his mission in Africa in March of last year. Although he originally intended to stay for one year, he decided to extend his service until March 2026, motivated by the need to improve Zimbabwe’s healthcare system and to strengthen Sino-African ties. Zhang is a member of the 21st Chinese (Hunan) Medical Aid Team to Zimbabwe and has already made significant contributions despite the challenges encountered.
Upon his arrival at Parirenyatwa Hospital, the largest public hospital in Zimbabwe, Zhang noted the reliance on outdated surgical methods. He is focused on modernizing practices to reduce trauma and accelerate recovery times, demonstrated during a critical surgery on a 43-year-old woman with severe gallbladder issues. Despite limited resources and outdated equipment, he successfully completed the operation in under 30 minutes, earning praise from local medical staff.
Logistical issues have posed challenges for Zhang and his team, such as borrowing equipment and coping with delays resulting from patients’ financial constraints. Nevertheless, in addition to performing over 100 procedures, Zhang is dedicated to enhancing local medical capacities by providing training and conducting virtual academic forums on advanced surgical techniques.
Zhang’s efforts extend beyond the hospital; he leads outreach initiatives to remote areas, traveling long distances to assist over 400 patients in makeshift clinics. He noted, “Chinese doctors are trusted here,” a sentiment reflecting the strong relationships formed with the local communities he serves.
The decision to prolong his stay in Zimbabwe was influenced by both professional duties and personal beliefs. Zhang faces numerous hardships, including frequent power outages and water shortages, necessitating high levels of alertness and adaptability in his work environment. Yet, he finds solace in Zimbabwe’s landscape and the appreciation shown by the local populace.
While his commitment is unwavering, the personal sacrifices impact him deeply, especially regarding his young son’s understanding of his career. Though he wishes for his son to grasp the significance of his work, he harbors reservations about the potential toll this profession might take on his son’s life. Zhang expressed a desire to ensure sustainability in his efforts: “We aim to leave behind a ‘permanent medical team’ — a skilled local workforce.”
Zhang Yueming’s dedication to advancing healthcare in Zimbabwe exemplifies the profound impact of international medical collaboration. His commitment to training local surgeons, optimizing surgical techniques, and improving access to healthcare services demonstrates a multifaceted approach to addressing healthcare deficiencies. While facing logistical barriers and personal sacrifices, Zhang’s resolve continues to inspire hope within the communities he serves, ultimately aiming for the establishment of a sustainable medical workforce in Zimbabwe.
Original Source: www.ecns.cn
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