Chinese doctors to offer free eye surgeries in Uzbekistan

TASHKENT -- Chinese doctors and specialists will carry out free cataract surgeries as the second phase of a Chinese charitable program, a Chinese official said here on Saturday.

Zhang Wenchuan, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Uzbekistan, said China's Brightness Action program that offers free cataract surgeries is part of the "Healthy Silk Road," will certainly be a new highlight in China-Uzbekistan medical and health cooperation.

Uzbek Health Minister Alisher Shadmanov said at the launching ceremony that strengthening cooperation on healthcare has become a priority for Uzbek-Chinese relations.

"Today's action will provide an opportunity for the exchange of experience between Uzbek and Chinese ophthalmologists," he said.

Since the Brightness Action program kicked off in Uzbekistan in late November this year, more than 400 local patients, aged from 7 months to 103, have received eye surgeries.