Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital in Motootua now has a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic, which was officially opened on Wednesday, marking a new step in Samoa’s health services.

The clinic was opened by Minister for Health, Vaaaoao Salumalo Alofipo, and China’s Ambassador to Samoa, Fei Mingxing, during a ceremony attended by health officials and guests.

The new clinic will be staffed by experienced TCM doctors, Dr Xu Dan and Dr Kong Jing, along with a Chinese medical team working in Samoa.

In his speech, the leader of the Chinese medical team, Dr Cong Xiaoqiang, said the clinic is part of long-standing medical cooperation between China and Samoa. He said Traditional Chinese Medicine has been practised for more than 2,000 years and focuses on treating the body as a whole.

Dr Cong said the clinic will offer treatments such as acupuncture, cupping, and physiotherapy. These services are aimed at helping patients with chronic pain, insomnia, and other long-term health conditions.

He also said the Chinese medical team donated equipment worth about 100,000 RMB (about 37,000 USD) to support the clinic’s work. The donation includes acupuncture tools and physical therapy equipment.

The clinic is expected to expand treatment options for patients in Samoa and strengthen health cooperation between Samoa and China.

Health Minister Vaaaoao Salumalo Alofipo thanked the Chinese government and medical team for their continued support, saying the clinic reflects strong ties between the two countries and a shared goal of improving health care.

The Ministry of Health said the new facility will work alongside existing hospital services at Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital to provide more treatment options for patients.