Rwanda hailed China’s supportive role in the country’s health sector as the 17th Chinese medical team completed one-year medical service there.

At Kibungo Hospital in eastern Rwanda and Masaka Hospital in Kigali, the team received up to 4,355 cases, performed 450 surgical operations and 992 acupuncture treatments, according to officials.

Speaking at a farewell ceremony for the group in Kigali on March 10, Rwanda’s health minister Diane Gashumba hailed the Chinese cooperation in the development of the country’s health sector.

She cited construction of Masaka Hospital and support toward Kibungo Hospital through construction of staff quarters among the areas of Chinese health intervention.

“The Chinese have also equipped Masaka Hospital with appropriate equipment ranging from clinical equipment to office furniture to cover all the different hospital departments. Talking of education, Rwandan professionals are going for short courses and study tours to gain experience from their colleagues in China,” the minister said.

At the same ceremony, the 18th medical team from China was welcomed.

Gashumba said the support of the Chinese government in form of infrastructure, education and equipment is very important in the development of Rwanda’s health sector.

Rao Hongwei, Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, hailed the medics who were set to leave the country, saying they made “real contribution” towards health services in Rwanda.

China started sending medics to Rwanda since 1982. Up to 800,000 people have been treated since then, according to officials.