Through their dedication, the 5th Chinese Medical Team has not only delivered vital care but also laid a stronger foundation for Tonga's health system and Tonga-China cooperation.

by Siamelie Latu

The presence of Chinese medical teams in Tonga reflects the deepening ties between the two nations, with ongoing collaboration aimed at advancing medical services and public health across the islands.

Since arriving in Tonga last July, the 5th Chinese Medical Team has quickly integrated into Vaiola Hospital, bringing advanced expertise to introduce new technologies, perform complex surgeries and strengthen daily operations. Beyond their clinical work, they devoted themselves to teaching and mentoring, ensuring that their skills and knowledge would benefit the hospital long after their departure.

Leveraging their specialized expertise, the six-member team introduced several groundbreaking initiatives at Vaiola Hospital, including ultrasound screening for congenital heart disease in newborns, the launch of a remote pathology consultation platform, and advanced treatments for complex hand injuries, such as multiple muscle and tendon ruptures paired with metacarpal fractures. They also initiated autopsy procedures and mastered laparoscopic ovarian tumor resections, successfully tackling numerous high-difficulty surgeries with precision.

In their mentoring role, each team member selflessly shared medical know-how with local doctors, fostering growth that will endure beyond their tenure.

Their care also extended into communities. They made repeated visits to families in need, offering free consultations and distributing medicine. Every evening from 7 to 8 p.m., they set aside a "compassion hour" for walk-in patients -- a service that has benefited nearly 700 residents.

In addition, the team organized free health check-ups and outreach trips across six islands, reaching more than 3,000 people. These visits not only helped promote awareness of "early diagnosis, early treatment" but also documented Tonga's health challenges to support future planning.

Their commitment often went beyond duty. On countless nights, the ring of a phone would pull them from sleep. Yet they rushed to the emergency department without hesitation, aiding both Tongan locals and Chinese residents in crisis. Such devotion has earned them deep respect and gratitude from the community.

The team also strengthened medical cooperation between Tonga and China. They facilitated the first referral of Tongan cardiovascular patients to Qilu Hospital in east China's Shandong Province, paving the way for future exchanges. They are also actively laying the groundwork for a remote diagnosis platform, which will enable long-distance consultations in pathology and imaging.

Through their dedication, the 5th Chinese Medical Team has not only delivered vital care but also laid a stronger foundation for Tonga's health system and Tonga-China cooperation. They have also shared expertise with Tonga's Ministry of Health, boosting its capacity and supporting the long-term development of the country's healthcare sector.

Editor's note: Siamelie Latu is secretary general of the Tonga-China Friendship Association, and also a former Tongan ambassador to China.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Xinhua News Agency.