The People's Republic of China has signed an agreement with Lesotho government to send 15 medical doctors to assist in the medical field in Lesotho.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW), Dr. Motloheloa Phooko, said the doctors, would be specialising in the fields such as Surgery, Neurology and Radiology for a period of two years starting from January 2003. The Minister was addressing a Press Conference, which was held at the ministry of health headquarters on Friday 29 November,2002 in relation to the official visit of the Medical delegation from the Hubei Province of the People's Republic of China.

The delegation had arrived in the country on Thursday 28 November,2002 and the purpose of their visit was to meet the Minister to discuss the issue of sending another Chinese medical team in Lesotho, and also to take an inspection tour at Queen Elizabeth II referral Hospital, where the expected doctors would be posted. Dr. Phooko, further said this assistance of the People's Republic of China to Lesotho follows an agreement, which was signed between the two governments in 1997. He therefore, expressed his gratitude for this assistance on behalf of the government of Lesotho, and Basotho in general.

Speaking at the same occasion the Head of Hubei Provincial Medical delegation, Mr. Zhao Wenyuan, said that they have inspected the Queen Elizabeth II referral hospital and are happy that the general conditions are improved. He said, China would continue to render its support to the Lesotho government and its people in the future.

29 November,2002