How-to China: Doctors in Algeria

Editor's Note: The eyes of the world are turning to China. In this ongoing series How-to China, we tell stories about how Chinese approaches promote understanding, solve problems and improve the lives of people around the globe.

Doctor Gao Shan, 39, associate chief physician of the acupuncture department at Wuhan No 1 Hospital in Hubei province, is one of the 81 members of the 27th Chinese medical team working in Algeria.

Since 1963, the Chinese government, as part of its humanitarian aid program, has sent doctors to offer free medical services in the country, which faces a lack of medical resources. China has sent 3,317 medical staff to Algeria over the years.

The team set off in late August, even though the global pandemic showed no sign of receding. All members come from 58 public medical institutions in Hubei. Doctors specializing in gynecology, obstetrics, anesthesia, surgery and ophthalmology work in 14 hospitals across the country, according to Yang Yong, chief of the team.

Gao works in the traditional Chinese medicine center of Ben Aknoun Hospital. TCM has been recognized by local patients thanks to years of efforts of Chinese doctors. Gao mainly treats patients with acupuncture therapy. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, her work is difficult, but she said she would stick to it.

The following is an excerpt of our interview with her.