The General Surgery Department at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara last week hosted a farewell and welcome reception for medical doctors from China.
Dr Alex Chen, an Urologist from Guizhou Medical University Affiliated Hospital in China was farewelled.
He spent the past 12 months with the department.
In his brief farewell speech Dr Alex took the opportunity to acknowledge the time he had work alongside local doctors—in the wards, in the outpatient clinics, and in the operating theatre.
“We have faced challenges together, discussed difficult cases together, and shared the joy when our patients recovered.
“These moments are truly precious to me and will remain one of the most unforgettable experiences in my career.”
He also recalled how they worked together to establish and gradually put the China Medical Centre (CMC) into operation.
“From the initial preparation to the step-by-step standardization of clinical work, it was not an easy journey.
“But with our joint efforts, mutual trust, and strong sense of responsibility, the CMC is now running and continuously serving patients.
“What makes us even more encouraged is that, through the operation of the CMC, we have been able, to some extent, to improve the local medical conditions and allow more people in the Solomon Islands to receive more timely and standardized treatment.
“Being part of this process is something we are truly proud of and very happy about,” he said.
In addition to continuing routine surgical procedures, they jointly introduced and implemented holmium laser minimally invasive lithotripsy, successfully treating ureteral, renal, and bladder stones.
“This progress is not only an important technical breakthrough, but also marks a step forward toward more minimally invasive and standardized care.
“More importantly, these techniques have enabled patients to receive treatment with less trauma and faster recovery, which has truly improved the overall quality of care,” Dr Alex said.
He acknowledged the local doctors that despite limited resources and heavy workloads, they continue to care for their patients with great responsibility and commitment.
“This is something I truly respect and have learned a lot from.
“For me, this experience is not only about providing medical service, but also about learning from each other, growing together, and building lasting friendships.
“Medicine has brought us together beyond language and cultural differences, and I believe this connection will continue in the future,” he said.
At the ceremony two doctors Dr Frank, an Urologist) and Dr Yong, Breast Surgeon were formally welcomed.
Head of Surgery Department Dr Rooney Jagilly in his speech thank Dr Alex for his dedicated service and support to our department over the past 12 months.
“During his time with us, he has contributed greatly to the care of our patients and to the strengthening of urological services at our hospital.
“We are particularly grateful for the skills he has transferred to our local team, especially to Dr Melly, and for introducing new technology such as laser treatment for renal stones, which has added a valuable new dimension to our urology service.
“All of this was achieved despite the challenges of limited operating space and even the personal setback of the injury to your leg during your stay.
“Your commitment throughout this period has been greatly appreciated.”
Dr Rooney said, over the past year, urological services have steadily grown in capacity, and because of that patients are receiving better care than before.
“That is a significant achievement.”
He took time to welcome Dr Frank, Dr Yong and members of the 5th Chinese Medical Team.
“To the incoming team, we look forward to a productive year of working together, learning from one another, and building strong professional friendships.”
Dr Rooney acknowledged Guizhou Health Commission and the People’s Republic of China for their continued support to the department and NRH.
“The model of cooperation that China has provided—sending specialist teams not only to deliver service but also to teach and build local capacity—is truly an ideal model of partnership and a worthwhile investment in the health of the people of the Solomon Islands.”
