Chinese Embassy donates ambulance to boost emergency medical services in Nepal

Kathmandu — The Chinese Embassy in Nepal has provided an emergency rescue ambulance to Overseas Friendship International Hospital, strengthening the hospital’s emergency response capabilities and support services for Chinese citizens living in Nepal as well as local communities.
The ambulance, purchased through dedicated funding provided by the Chinese Embassy in Nepal last year, was officially handed over at a ceremony held on Thursday.

Addressing the ceremony, Zhou Pan, Chief of Mission and Minister-Counselor (DCM) of the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, emphasized the importance of people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in healthcare.
“People-to-people exchanges are very important,” Zhou said. “When there is a good hospital and when there is an ambulance, it contributes greatly to the health and well-being of people. This hospital has many experienced doctors and a dedicated Chinese medical team, which will help provide quality healthcare services.”
He noted that enhanced medical cooperation between Nepal and China would contribute to improving healthcare services and strengthening ties between the two countries.

Speaking at the event, Xia Chenchen, President of Overseas Friendship International Hospital,said the facility has treated nearly 20,000 patients since it opened four years ago and has accumulated extensive experience in local medical care, foreign-related medical services and high-altitude emergency rescue.
“As a consular protection volunteer partner institution of the Chinese Embassy, we have consistently provided targeted medical assistance to those in special need,” Xia said. “We specialize in treating high-altitude rescue casualties, patients suffering from high-altitude cerebral edema, cerebral infarction, pneumonia and various mental health disorders. We have worked closely with the embassy on cross-border consular protection and emergency response arrangements.”

She said the addition of the ambulance would significantly enhance the hospital’s ability to carry out emergency rescue operations and provide timely medical treatment.
“With the newly delivered ambulance now officially in service, our capacity for consular protection, rescue operations and emergency medical treatment will be significantly strengthened,” Xia said. “For Chinese citizens living abroad, the care and support from our motherland and the embassy are a tremendous source of encouragement. We will properly manage and standardize the operation of this emergency vehicle and do our utmost to safeguard the health of overseas Chinese compatriots.”

The newly commissioned ambulance is expected to bolster emergency medical response capabilities and further deepen cooperation between China and Nepal in the field of health and humanitarian services.

The handover ceremony was also attended by Deepak Kumar Kc, Director of Kathmandu Health Department, along with representatives from the Chinese community and hospital officials.

Established in 2022, the hospital is a comprehensive private healthcare institution with departments including Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Gynecology, Otorhinolaryngology, Ophthalmology, Dermatology and Physical Therapy. More than 60 percent of its patients are local residents, reflecting its growing role in Nepal’s healthcare sector.