Chinese Medics Treat Patients, Empower Locals in Benin

• Chinese medical team in Benin is led by Yang Ping.
• Beatrice Lawe’s miraculous recovery showcases the team’s dedication.
• The Mono and Couffo Hospital was built with Chinese support in 1997.
• Over 15,000 patients treated since the Chinese team arrived this year.
• Partnership aims to empower local healthcare through training and resources.

Chinese Medical Team’s Impact on Local Health Services

In a remarkable display of medical prowess and human compassion, the 27th batch of the Chinese medical team in Benin has been making waves. Yang Ping, a surgeon leading the team, recently shared the success story of Beatrice Lawe, a 45-year-old patient brought back from the brink of death after a critical emergency surgery at the Mono and Couffo Departmental Hospital Center in Lokossa. Lawe’s journey began with surgery at a different hospital for appendicitis and peritonitis, but when complications arose, she was swiftly transferred to Lokossa, where her fate was hanging by a thread. Yang’s initial assessment highlighted a grim outlook, but the team rallied to perform lifesaving procedures that ultimately led Lawe to a miraculous recovery.

Training and Empowering Local Healthcare Staff

This is not just an isolated case; the efforts of the Chinese medical team span years of dedication to Benin. The Mono and Couffo Departmental Hospital Center, established with Chinese assistance in 1997, stands as a testament to a solid partnership between the two nations. Since 1978, medical teams from the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region have regularly traveled to Benin, uniting healthcare professionals across continents. The current team, comprised of 22 members including 18 health professionals, has been busy since their arrival in January 2024, providing care for over 15,000 patients and conducting nearly 3,000 surgeries. The overwhelming need in Benin, an area struggling with limited resources and a high prevalence of tropical diseases, means that the challenges faced by these doctors are as serious as they are frequent. Yang remarked on the high incidence of motorcycle-related injuries, stating that during peak periods they handle an astonishing seven or eight serious cases daily.

A Legacy of Friendship and Lifesaving Care

Through cooperative agreements signed in 2021, the Chinese team is not only addressing immediate medical needs but also cultivating a sustainable healthcare environment in Benin. Their work promises lasting benefits, enabling local healthcare workers to build their skills and independence. Yang emphasized their mission is about more than treating patients; it is to train local staff so they can continue to provide quality care long after the Chinese team departs. Head nurse Jacqueline Oussou has noted an increase in demand for medical services from patients who specifically seek the expertise of Chinese doctors. Meanwhile, Elsie Tchenagni, an anesthesia nurse, pointed out the significant advancements in hospital operations due to both the new equipment and the extensive training provided by the team. She remarked on how, despite language challenges, strong working relationships have been forged, allowing for more precise medical procedures.

The journey of the Chinese medical team in Benin is marked by stories of resilience, cooperation, and healing. From the life-saving surgeries to the empowerment of local healthcare workers, their work exemplifies an enduring bond and commitment to improving health outcomes in Benin. For nearly five decades, this partnership has demonstrated a shared vision for a healthier future, illustrating the profound impact that dedicated healthcare professionals can have across borders and cultures.