BEIJING: An 8-member Chinese medical team is now in Islamabad to carry out 500 free cataract operations in Pakistan.The Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao during his visit to Pakistan in December last year, in a great humanitarian gesture, had announced that China would send a medical mission to Pakistan to conduct 1000 free cataract surgeries.In the first phase, the team would carry out 500 operations. The team is led by Dr.Song Xudong, Chief Physician of Tongren Hospital.
The visit is being organized by the Chinese Peoples Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Both Pakistan and China are celebrating this year as the Year of Friendship marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Ambassador Masood Khan told APP that the visit would strengthen the existing bonds of friendship between the people of the two countries.
“By reaching out to the common people and bringing sight to them the team would leave an indelible mark in the hearts and minds of Pakistanis,” he noted.He pointed out that such a gesture from China would fortify the existing all weather and time tested friendship between the two countries.
The team would stay in Pakistan till December 18. – APP
