'Lifeline Express' initiative helps locals regain vision while training physicians

A Chinese medical initiative has performed 1,478 free cataract surgeries in Kyrgyzstan as part of an ongoing health aid program, according to figures released by health authorities.

During the project's fourth deployment to the country, held from May 15 to 26, an 11-member specialist team from the People's Hospital of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region completed 321 surgical procedures. Each operation utilized a four-doctor rotation covering preoperative preparation, performing the procedure, postoperative checks and follow-up care, with average procedure times reported at under 15 minutes.

China has been sending medical aid and equipment to Kyrgyzstan for decades through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization framework to help shore up gaps in healthcare in underserved areas.

The latest medical mission forms part of China's "Lifeline Express" initiative, organized jointly by the National Health Commission's International Health Exchange and Cooperation Center and the Chinese Foundation for Lifeline Express. In addition to cataract treatments, program organizers report the initiative has funded 35 glaucoma and 30 retinal surgeries in the region.

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One patient, a 74-year-old retired typist, said she had lost all vision in one eye because of cataracts.

"They performed a free surgery on me, and even the medication was free of charge," she was quoted by local media outlet New Silk Road Observer as saying.

Following the procedure, she said she was excited to discover that she could once again distinguish colors effortlessly and even read tiny, densely printed text.

Beyond direct clinical care, the project established a blindness-prevention cooperation center at the Interstate United Clinical Hospital in Osh, Kyrgyzstan. The venue serves as a hub for local physician training programs and academic exchanges between Chinese and Kyrgyz medical personnel.

At a bilateral meeting in late June, Zheng Zhe, vice-minister of China's National Health Commission, met with Kyrgyz counterparts to discuss expanding health sector initiatives. Zheng expressed intent to scale similar targeted medical programs as part of broader regional health cooperation, according to a statement from the commission.

He said China is willing to deepen bilateral healthcare cooperation by implementing more small-scale but well-targeted projects like the eye care initiative, promoting greater exchanges between medical professionals on both sides, so as to contribute to building a global community of health for all. 

Contact the writer at wangxiaoyu@chinadaily.com.cn