Chinese Medical Team Launches Island Outreach Programme at President’s Village
VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Island Outreach Medical Programme for Vulnerable Communities was officially launched yesterday afternoon with a free medical outreach activity at the President’s Village. The event, held at the village compound, marked the first stop in a broader series of medical missions planned across Seychelles by the 20th Chinese Medical Team. The initiative will extend to the outer islands, elderly care institutions, schools, and other communities in need.
The medical team, which arrived in Seychelles in July 2025, comprises six doctors specialising in different fields. Through the programme, the team aims to strengthen the longstanding friendship and people-to-people ties between China and Seychelles while raising awareness about the needs of vulnerable groups, particularly children and the elderly. The outreach featured free medical consultations and health screenings for children and staff, demonstrations of traditional Chinese medicine, health education sessions, guided visits to medical service areas, and the donation of health supplies, school materials, and gifts.
Ambassador Lin Nan, in her opening remarks, said that today’s outreach programme is another example of our commitment to bringing healthcare services closer to the people and supporting the wellbeing of communities. Minister for Health Dr Marvin Fanny highlighted that Chinese medical teams have been coming to Seychelles for over 40 years. The outreach programme demonstrates their belief in our government’s vision of bringing treatments and support closer to the community.
Team leader Dr Du Daodong explained that the programme celebrates the long bilateral friendship between China and Seychelles. Children represent the future of Seychelles. That is why we chose President’s Village as the first stop. By launching our services here, we hope to express our care, support, and best wishes for the children of Seychelles and their healthy future. He added that the programme benefits local residents through check-ups, medicine, and Chinese medical treatments, while also sharing clinical experience with Seychellois medical workers to strengthen primary care.
Director of President’s Village, Ted Arissol, expressed gratitude for the initiative. We love it, and it gives our children a chance to participate in the programme. He added that the institution remains open to donations and initiatives that contribute to the development and wellbeing of the children under its care. The Chinese Medical Team will continue its outreach activities in the coming months, with visits planned for Praslin, La Digue, the Seychelles Tourism Academy, and various nursing homes across the country.
The programme consolidates China-Seychelles health cooperation on the 50th anniversary of their partnership.
