On October 11, a ceremony was held to bid farewell to the 14th Chinese Medical Assistance Team to Papua New Guinea (PNG) as they embarked on a year-long mission. Led by Yongchuan Hospital, the team will be stationed at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) in the country's capital city.

Medical assistance to developing nations is a key component of China's commitment to international development and South-South cooperation. In 2002, under the direction of the National Health Commission, Chongqing dispatched China's first medical assistance team to Papua New Guinea (PNG). It was also China’s first medical aid mission in the South Pacific region. Since then, Chongqing has sent 13 medical teams, comprising a total of 129 medical professionals, to PNG. Over the past two decades, these teams have made a profound impact on recipient hospitals, providing expert guidance and addressing healthcare shortages by sharing their expertise through demonstrations, lectures, skills training, and academic exchanges.

Led by Yongchuan Hospital, the 14th Medical Assistance Team to PNG comprises ten medical professionals, including specialists in urology, breast surgery, neurosurgery, perioperative nursing, neonatology, cardiology, nephrology, and traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncture and massage). The average age of the team is 37.6 years.

During the send-off ceremony, Chen Zijun, captain of the 14th Medical Assistance Team to PNG, shared that the team members had undergone three months of intensive, full-time training to strengthen their medical assistance capabilities. These compassionate healers will not only save lives but also serve as ambassadors of friendship for China.