A Partnership That Continues to Heal-China and Dominica Deepen Ties in Healthcare
By Sheena Harry
At the Dominica–China Friendship Hospital (DCFH) on December 11, 2025, the atmosphere on handover day was one of quiet pride and profound gratitude as the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital once again lived up to its name, standing as a powerful testament to cooperation, shared vision, and people-centred development.
The handover of medical supplies from the Government of the People’s Republic of China, coupled with the signing and plaque-unveiling ceremony for the Guangzhou Medical University Overseas Medical Training Center, marked not just a milestone for the hospital and the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, but a defining moment in Dominica’s evolving healthcare story.
From the opening notes of music by hospital staff to the unveiling of the plaque itself, the ceremony reflected a partnership that goes far beyond diplomacy; one rooted in service, trust, and noticeable results for the Dominican people.
For decades, China’s support to Dominica’s health sector has been tangible and transformative. Since the construction of the Dominica–China Friendship Hospital itself to the consistent presence of Chinese medical teams, the relationship has evolved into one defined by solidarity, respect, and sustained collaboration.
“Today we gather here with joy and anticipation to witness two important events,” said His Excellency Chu Maoming, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Dominica. “The handover of donated medical supplies from China and the inauguration of the Guangzhou Medical University Overseas Training Center.”
Delivering Care Where It Matters Most
The latest donation, valued at approximately US$55,000, includes urgently needed medicines and diagnostic equipment such as ultrasound devices, patient monitors, microsurgical units, and electrocardiographs.
“Although it is not a grand gift, it reflects China’s deep concern for the health of the people of Dominica and embodies our cherished friendship,” Ambassador Chu said.
For Dominica, these donations represent more than equipment; they are lifelines that strengthen service delivery, particularly in times of crisis.
“China has always recognized that in the face of public health challenges, mutual assistance is the key to overcoming difficulties,” he added.
A Commitment to People
Minister for Health, Wellness and Social Services, Honourable Cassanni Laville, framed the occasion as one centered firmly on people rather than equipment.
“Today’s ceremony is not only about equipment or infrastructure,” the Minister noted. “It’s about people. It’s about partnership that has substance, that is reliable, and that has repeatedly proven its value to the good people of Dominica.”
He reminded attendees that for over two decades, China has remained a steadfast development partner, particularly in health: from medical teams and training to infrastructure and emergency support during times of crisis, including the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters.
Since 2019 alone, Chinese medical teams have been continuously deployed to Dominica, with approximately 40 Chinese doctors and specialists serving over the past 16 years, delivering critical care, building local capacity, and strengthening resilience across the health system.
A Hospital Built on Collaboration
The Dominica-China Friendship Hospital, itself a flagship symbol of bilateral cooperation, continues to grow in both capability and ambition. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Kenneth Darroux, Chief Executive Officer of the Dominica Hospitals Authority, underscored the significance of the day’s dual achievements.
“This is not merely the provision of tools,” Dr. Darroux said. “It is the embodiment of our collective vision for a healthier future; one where every citizen has access to quality healthcare.”
He described the donated equipment as essential to improving diagnostics, treatment, and patient outcomes, while emphasizing that the newly established training center represents a long-term investment in human capital.
“This center will serve as a beacon of knowledge, empowering our healthcare professionals to enhance their skills and exchange innovative ideas,” he added.
The Guangzhou Medical University Overseas Training Center: A Living Classroom
That spirit of shared progress found its clearest expression in the unveiling of the Guangzhou Medical University Overseas Medical Training Center, now officially housed at the DCFH. The center represents a strategic investment in Dominica’s long-term medical capacity and positions the country as a regional hub for advanced clinical training.
For Dr. Deng Nan, leader of the current Chinese Medical Team in Dominica, the moment was deeply meaningful.
“We are not just opening a training center,” Dr. Deng said. “We are affirming a promise: a promise of continued partnership, shared knowledge, and mutual growth.”
Since arriving in Dominica in January 2025, the seven-member Chinese medical team, including specialists in urology, ophthalmology, anesthesiology, and cardiology, has been fully integrated into hospital life. Their impact has been substantial:
- Over 3,000 outpatient consultations
- 450 surgical procedures
- 706 anesthesia cases
- Involvement in 150 critical care emergencies
Beyond the numbers, Dr. Deng highlighted groundbreaking achievements made possible through collaboration with Dominican colleagues, including the first laparoscopic ureteral reconstructive service, first minimally invasive glaucoma procedures, ultrasound-guided nerve block anesthesia, and the reintroduction of temporary cardiac pacemaker implantation after several years.
The training center is Guangzhou Medical University’s third overseas facility, joining centers in Turkey and Kazakhstan.
Following its soft launch in September 2025, the training center conducted nine specialized training sessions, benefitting more than 60 local medical professionals, from consultants to interns and students.
Using a blended approach of theory and simulator-based practice, participants have strengthened core surgical skills such as precision manipulation, suturing, and knot tying.
“The enthusiasm and rapid progress of the participants have been truly inspiring,” Dr. Deng shared.
A Friendship That Delivers
Echoing the enthusiasm of the participants, Minister Laville described the initiative as a model of cooperation that consistently delivers real outcomes.
“This partnership has demonstrated rapid support during emergencies, pandemics, and natural disasters,” he said. “It is not merely aid; it is strategic, enduring, people-centered partnership.”
He also emphasized the broader value of the relationship, noting that Chinese support extends beyond health into education, training, and national development, while remaining deeply rooted in mutual respect.
“The value of our friendship cannot be measured solely in buildings or supplies, but in the lives saved, the skills transferred, and the hope strengthened through our collaboration.”
This year marks over 21 years of diplomatic relations between Dominica and China; a partnership that Ambassador Chu described as “unbreakable,” forged through mutual respect, equality, and shared development goals.
“Over the past two decades… our two countries have forged an unbreakable, profound friendship on the international stage,” he said. “Dominica has always firmly stood with China and provided valuable support on issues involving China’s core interests and major concerns.”
Medical cooperation, he noted, has become one of the most vivid expressions of that friendship.
“Over the past few years, medical and health cooperation has always been a vivid epitome and important carrier of the friendly relations between our two countries,” Ambassador Chu explained, pointing to free clinics in remote communities, mobile medical services, training exchanges, and the steady flow of lifesaving supplies.
Healing Through Knowledge and Trust
As the plaque was unveiled and the ceremony drew to a close, the atmosphere was one of optimism and quiet confidence. The Guangzhou Medical University Overseas Medical Training Center is poised to become a regional hub for learning, innovation, and professional exchange, while the donated medical supplies will immediately enhance patient care across departments.
The day reiterated a clear message: that resilient health systems are built not only with technology and infrastructure, but with partnerships that invest in people.
As Dr. Deng reflected, “Let us continue this journey of friendship and healing: together.”
And in that spirit, the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital moves forward, not just as a place of care, but as a living symbol of what shared purpose can achieve. The friends reaffirmed that true development is built on collaboration, respect, and the shared belief that health is a bridge that connects nations, no matter how far apart they are.
