Guangxi medical experts return from Cambodia after assisting virus fight

Medical experts from Guangxi return from Cambodia on April 7. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A team of seven medical experts from Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region aiding Cambodia arrived in Nanning on April 7 after a 15 day stay assisting the Southeast Asian country's fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.

The expert group conducted field research in institutions and key areas, such as the designated hospitals for COVID-19 patients, virus testing laboratories, communities, airports, railway stations, and Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone. The group also conducted exchanges with the Cambodian Ministry of Health and related medical institutions, putting forward practical proposals on improving the diagnosis and treatment process, antiviral drugs selection, ticketing adjustment of the train station, as well as designated isolation site disinfection.

Medical experts conduct research and give anti-epidemic advice to train station staff in Cambodia. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The expert group carried out training for Cambodian medical workers on personal protection, installation and use of laboratory testing equipment, diagnosis and treatment of severe and critical cases, as well as shared the experience of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of patients with mild to severe cases of COVID-19.

The English version of the COVID-19 prevention and treatment experience manual was provided to Cambodian hospitals, while international remote video exchanges with the First Affiliate Hospital of Guangxi Medical University were held to share more information.

In addition, the expert group also provided professional anti-epidemic technical guidance and consulting services for the Chinese embassy in Cambodia, Chinese-funded enterprises, overseas Chinese, and international students.

Guangxi has donated about 4 million yuan ($566,070.17) worth of medical supplies to Cambodia in two batches to help the country in its battle against COVID-19. With the advice and assistance of the expert group, Cambodia has improved epidemic prevention and control measures, as well as its diagnosis and treatment capacity, including reestablishing diagnosis and treatment areas and setting up a remote consultation system.

Established by the National Health Commission and selected by Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, the medical team's trip to Cambodia was the first time that the Chinese government has sent an anti-epidemic medical expert group to surrounding areas and Southeast Asia. The expert group has greatly promoted exchanges and cooperation between China and Cambodia in the prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic, as well as medical treatment.