China donates more medical supplies to Bahamas for COVID-19 fight

#TheBahamas, November 3, 2021 – The Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas accepted medical equipment from the People’s Republic of China for its continued fight against the COVID-19 virus.  A Handover Certificate was signed transferring the medical equipment to the Ministry of Health and Wellness during a Handover Ceremony on Friday, October 29, 2021 at the ministry on Meeting Street.

On hand for the ceremony were the Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister, Commonwealth of The Bahamas; Her Excellency Dai Qingli, Ambassador, People’s Republic of China to The Bahamas; the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness; Colin Higgs, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Wellness; Mary Walker, Hospital Administrator; Catherine Weech, Managing Director, Public Hospitals Authority; Dr. Pearl McMillan, Chief Medical Officer; Charlene Bain, Administrator Community Health Services; Gina Dean, Director of Nursing, and other officials from both governments.

Prime Minister Davis underscored the importance of receiving the “much-needed” medical equipment, as The Bahamas continues to fight against the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The donation includes 10 high flow oxygen machines, 30 patient monitors, and 10 portable ventilators to assist patients with respiratory and other COVID-19 related issues.

The prime minister said he is sure the equipment “will be put to good use by the Princess Margaret and Rand Memorial Hospitals to save lives.

“The Ministry of Health, and The Public Hospitals Authority will be immediately incorporating this equipment into daily operations to assist with the treatment of patients.”

He added, “The COVID-19 virus has already taken a huge toll on the physical and economic health of our nation. Our healthcare resources have been stretched thin in the face of this unprecedented public health crisis.

“Every additional resource we can bring in assists with managing the strain placed on our public health infrastructure and medical professionals.”

According to the prime minister, the latest set of equipment is critical because the sooner it is put to use, rebuilding of the economy and a return to normalcy can begin.

Friday’s donation is the seventh batch of medical supplies and equipment offered by the Chinese Government to The Bahamas since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for increased collaboration and sharing of resources between countries,” the prime minister said.

Diplomatic relations were established between both counties, May 23, 1997. The Bahamas is also a recipient of economic cooperation, trade, investment, cultural exchanges, and bilateral support.

“We are all living this human experience together. We share many of the same goals and face many of the same challenges. COVID-19 is no exception. We must stand together if we wish to succeed. This donation is emblematic of that fact,” the prime minister said.

He thanked China for its continued support, acts of goodwill, and commitment to maintaining strong relations between both countries.

“Your assistance will go a long way towards helping us to save the lives of our citizens, and, ultimately, win our fight against COVID-19,” the prime minister said.

By Lindsay Thompson

Release: BIS

Photo Caption: The People’s Republic of China donated medical supplies to The Bahamas during a handover ceremony at the ministry on Meeting Street on Friday, October 29, 2021. Pictured L-R are: Her Excellency Dai Qingli, Ambassador, People’s Republic of China to The Bahamas; the Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister, Commonwealth of The Bahamas; and the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness.

Insert: The Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister, Commonwealth of The Bahamas; Her Excellency Dai Qingli, Ambassador, People’s Republic of China to The Bahamas; and the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness view medical equipment donated by the Chinese Government to The Bahamas during a handover ceremony on Friday, October 29, 2021 at the ministry on Meeting Street.

(BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna)