On June 16th, three Chinese Ophthalmic medical experts from China-Maldives Eye Center arrived at Fuvahmulah Airport for the Bright Journey mission initiated by the Chinese Embassy. They were welcomed by Fuvahmulah City Council and Fuvahmulah Hospital.

On June 17th, the Launching Ceremony of Chinese Ophthalmic Medical Experts Bright Journey was held, Chinese Ambassador H.E. Wang Lixin, Health Minister Mr. Ahmed Naseem, Fuvahmulah City Mayor Mr. Ismail Rafeeq and MP Mr. Hussain Mohamed attended the ceremony.

Amb. Wang stated that the China-Maldives Eye Center had become a new landmark of China-Maldives friendship, which brought back light to many locals and was warmly welcomed and highly appreciated by the Maldivian people. To reach out to more Maldivian people living in faraway islands, we decided to have a Bright Journey project in Fuvahmulah, which got very positive response from Ministry of Health and Fuvahmulah City.

Amb. Wang also pointed out that medical cooperation is an important part of China-Maldives friendly relations. And China is blazing the trail for a new model of cooperation with success, to not only help Maldivian people back to light, but also strengthen Maldives self-development capability and help build Maldives' own eye center in the future.

In conclusion, Amb. Wang highlighted that China is always ready to have medical cooperation with Maldives in hardware & software areas, to improve Maldivian people livelihood and help the realization of President Xi’s proposal of building a global community of health for all. She wished the Bright Journey a full success that “shed more light” on Maldivian people.

Minister Naseem& Mayor Rafeeq appreciated Chinese medical team, stressing that the Bright Journey will benefit more Maldivian people and has become another vivid testimony to China-Maldives friendship.

After the ceremony, Amb. Wang Lixin visited the team & patients with Minister & Mayor. All patients expressed their gratitude for getting assistance from Chinese medical team.

Hundreds of Fuvahmulah people came to the hospital, with ages ranging from 24-day to 88-year, for eye-sight check, glaucoma, cataract exam and etc. The team has treated nearly 200 patients, working from sunrise to late night.

On June 18th, the medical team finished the Journey. Though time is short, they have done an excellent job & received many thanks and praises from local people. We’re looking forward to having more Bright Journey tours in Maldives and bring light back to more Maldivian people!