Chinese coronavirus doctors arrive in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — A team of Chinese doctors with experience in dealing with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) arrived in Manila yesterday.

They were sent by the Chinese government to share technical advice on the prevention and control of COVID-19 cases.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III welcomed the medical team that arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on a chartered flight from Xiamen at past 2 p.m.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the team comprised of 10 doctors in the fields of infectious diseases prevention, treatment and laboratory testing, and two officials. They will work closely with the Department of Health (DOH) for 15 days.

The Chinese doctors will exchange medical expertise with their Filipino counterparts. They will not take part in direct clinical diagnosis or treatment, according to the DOH.

The DFA said the chartered flight also carried donations from the Chinese government, which included 30 ventilators as well as thousands of personal protective suits, N95 masks, surgical masks and face shields.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for civilian security and consular concerns Brigido Dulay and Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian also welcomed the medical team.

Locsin expressed his gratitude for China’s support to the Philippines in fighting COVID-19.

He said the medical team was first of the three teams sent by the Chinese government to Southeast Asian countries hit by the virus. 

“The team members have frontline experiences in Hubei province to fight the epidemic,” Huang said.