ULAN BATOR, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- In a remarkable display of cross-border compassion, Chinese doctors have been transforming lives in Mongolia by providing free cataract surgeries for elderly citizens and life-saving heart surgeries for children with congenital heart disease, offering a renewed sense of hope and vitality to families across the nation.

Since 2017, under the "Angels Tour -- Belt and Road Humanitarian Assistance Program for Children with Severe Diseases" project, Chinese doctors have performed free heart surgeries for Mongolian children with congenital conditions. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Mongolian Red Cross Society (MRCS) and the Chinese Red Cross Foundation (CRCF).

Similarly, since 2019, the "The Belt and Road -- Brightness Trip" project has facilitated free cataract surgeries for elderly Mongolians, further underscoring the spirit of international solidarity and care.

On Thursday, representatives of former recipients of these life-changing surgeries gathered at the MRCS headquarters in Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia, to meet with Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia Shen Minjuan, conveying their heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable medical assistance that has transformed countless lives through these initiatives.

"I vividly remember the scene at the airport in Ulan Bator last year when I bid farewell to children traveling to China for surgery. Seeing the smiles of the patients and their families today fills me with immense comfort. It is the greatest encouragement for our work and a powerful motivation to keep striving forward," said Shen.

She continued, "As a Mongolian saying goes, 'Neighbors are connected at heart and share a common destiny.' China and Mongolia are important neighbors to each other, and China has always been willing to assist Mongolia in its social development."

"Through these projects, we are committed to improving the health and well-being of people in Mongolia and the international community. China will continue to advance this meaningful initiative, strengthen cooperation in the field of healthcare, and ensure that more patients in need receive timely treatment."

Nordov Bolormaa, secretary general of the MRCS, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese side, stating, "The CRCF has been a long-standing partner of ours, and these two projects represent a significant aspect of our collaboration."

She also extended her wishes to the Chinese people for a joyful and prosperous upcoming Spring Festival.

Bat-Ulzii Azkhuu, a 72-year-old resident of Dalanjargalan soum (administrative subdivision) in the southeastern Mongolian province of Dornogovi, underwent cataract surgery in Erenhot, in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, in September 2024.

"Before the surgery, I could barely see anything, whether near or far," Azkhuu shared with Xinhua.

"But after the procedure, it felt like my eyesight had been completely restored," he said, expressing his deep gratitude to the Chinese doctors for giving him back his vision.

Similarly, Gunee Dorjpagma, a 73-year-old from Ulan Bator, also benefited from the "Brightness Trip" project. Dorjpagma received cataract surgery in Erenhot last autumn.

"I'm truly happy to have been part of this project. On behalf of all the elderly individuals who received surgery through it, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Chinese doctors," she said.

Batbileg Shikhikhutag, 16, was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect when he was just four months old. Although the condition can sometimes resolve on its own, doctors initially advised against surgery, as they believed it might be too risky. As a result, he had not undergone surgery until recently.

In November 2024, Shikhikhutag underwent surgery in China, free of charge. "Before the surgery, I used to sweat a lot, and many activities were limited due to my heart condition," he explained. "For example, I couldn't participate in sports. But after the surgery, I was able to play any sport I wanted."

Tserendulam Altannaran from Ulan Bator is the mother of 12-year-old Altannaran Yesunzul, who underwent surgery in China last fall.

Yesunzul was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, a ventricular septal defect, when he was just one month old.

"For many years, I couldn't afford to have my son undergo surgery due to financial difficulties. Fortunately, I am overjoyed that the Chinese doctors performed the surgery completely free of charge," said Yesunzul's mother.

According to the MRCS, around 150 Mongolian children with congenital heart defects have received heart surgery through the "Angels Tour" project.

Meanwhile, 540 elderly individuals have benefited from cataract surgery under the "Brightness Trip" project.

In this way, Chinese projects are bringing hope and light to the lives of Mongolia's elderly and children, offering them vital medical care and a brighter future.

These initiatives not only improve individual lives but also strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between China and Mongolia. Enditem

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