The demand for specialist care at the Comprehensive Medical Centre (CMC) has risen markedly since its official public opening in June 2025, with an increasing number of patients utilising its services, Health Permanent Secretary Mrs. Pauline McNeil alluded this in her remarks at the farewell and welcome ceremony of the 4th and 5th China Medical Team.
She noted, the ministry and hospital planners project a minimum of 1,000 specialist cases will be managed by the new facilities, a target which has already been substantially met within the initial nine months of operation.
“Beyond its role in providing specialist medical care, the CMC serves as a centre for capacity development. It facilitates in-house and bedside teaching, offers hands-on surgical experience, and provides online learning opportunities with Chinese specialists, notably those from the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University in Guiyang, Guizhou Province.
Current Activity Levels at the CMC
The Comprehensive Medical Centre has observed considerable activity during its first nine months. This section reviews attendance statistics and describes the specialist medical services offered, with attention to key health concerns addressed at the facility.
Attendance and Patient Demographics
Between June 2025 and February 2026, the CMC recorded 2,606 attendees (including Acupuncture), seeking specialist care for cardiac, genitourinary, and renal conditions. These figures underscore the growing demand for advanced medical services targeting non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The increasing prevalence of NCDs among patients is noteworthy, though anticipated. Advocacy for preventive strategies continues, aligning with the centre’s mission to deliver accessible superspecialist care to those requiring intervention.
Over the past nine months, 1,637 individuals (excluding Acupuncture) have sought tertiary subspecialist care. Among these, 78% (1,285) were male and 27% (352) were female, reflecting a notable gender disparity attributed primarily to the higher incidence of urological issues among male patients.
Urological Services and Trends
Of the 1,627 total specialist cases, 62% (1,008) were related to urology. Within the CMC’s minimally invasive surgical centre, 884 male (88%) and 124 female (12%) patients received urological consultations and treatment. Prostate disorders represented 37% of male urological conditions.
An encouraging development is the increased participation of men in early-stage prostate cancer screenings. However, data limitations preclude confirmation regarding aggressive cancer cases. Rising prostate cancer incidence has been documented by the cancer registry.
Advancements in urological care include the introduction of state-of-the-art laser treatments for kidney and bladder stones in the previous year.
Kidney Disease Management
Renal health issues constitute the second-largest patient group at the CMC. Of the 350 cases managed, 54% were male and 46% female. Chronic kidney disease accounted for 48% of cases, followed by hypertension-related conditions (20%), diabetes-related complications (15%), and other causes (25%).
Due to limited dialysis resources, haemodialysis is currently reserved for critical patients and conducted within the medical ward. A future increase in haemodialysis services is expected upon receipt of additional supplies later this year.
Cardiac Care and Screening
The CMC has broadened its cardiac screening and management capabilities, now accommodating patients with undiagnosed or asymptomatic heart disease.
Cardiac clinic attendance was predominantly male (76%, 212 individuals), while females comprised 33% (69 individuals). Myocardial ischaemic heart disease is especially prevalent among male patients, with 35% of cases occurring in individuals aged 49 years and younger, signalling a heightened risk of future cardiac events in this population.
Acupuncture Care
Acupuncture remains the most frequently accessed service at CMC. The Acupuncture team includes a CMT-certified acupuncturist and local trainees, among them a physician and physiotherapy staff. In 2025, the team provided services to 969 patients, including pain management, treatment of musculoskeletal and neurological disorders (such as stroke), support for stress and mental health concerns, and care for both men’s and women’s health issues, such as back pain and menstrual discomfort.
Expansion of Services and Future Outlook
As the CMC continues to expand, further increases in workload are anticipated. The arrival of the fifth China Medical Team introduces a breast surgeon, responding to requests for the initiation of breast disease care — including early breast cancer screening and management.
Collaborative efforts between the NRH surgical team and the China Medical Team intend to establish a breast surgery service, prioritising early detection and comprehensive clinical management.
