(Commonwealth_ Europe) The 20th Chinese medical team from the Mediterranean Regional Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine (MRCTCM) organized a free clinic in Cospicua, a town in eastern Malta. The event, which aimed to offer accessible healthcare services to residents, featured a range of medical services, including blood pressure and blood sugar checks. Along with these screenings, the team offered personalized health advice and donated medical supplies to those in need.
Among the participants was 89-year-old Peter Gauci, who expressed interest in acupuncture as a remedy for his persistent neck pain. Gauci shared with reporters that he had been using safflower oil for pain relief, which he found helpful and intended to continue using. His openness to exploring acupuncture suggests a growing awareness of alternative treatments in the community.
Another participant, 33-year-old Amadeo Brincat, praised the Chinese medical team for their valuable advice on managing his back pain. Brincat, who had previously undergone traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments like acupuncture, reported significant improvement. His positive experience reflects a broader trend of people in Malta turning to TCM for relief from various chronic conditions.
Charlo Cutajar, 62, who previously benefited from shoulder periarthritis acupuncture, also attended the event. He described the experience as “wonderful” and emphasized the convenience of having Chinese doctors provide health consultations in such a personal and accessible manner. Cutajar was also interested in exploring other TCM treatments, specifically traditional Chinese massage, to further alleviate his discomfort.
The clinic attracted a large crowd, which Cospicua Mayor Marco Agius attributed to the growing popularity of TCM in the community. Agius himself had sought treatment at the MRCTCM the previous month for knee pain and had a favorable experience with acupuncture. “I felt quite good after the treatment,” he remarked. He expressed hope that the Chinese medical team would continue providing free clinical services to residents, acknowledging the valuable role these services play in improving the health and well-being of the community.
In 1994, the Chinese and Maltese governments collaborated to found the MRCTCM. Over the years, it has hosted numerous Chinese medical teams, and the 20th team currently serving in Malta is just one of many that have provided TCM treatments to Maltese citizens. To date, more than 100 doctors from these teams have treated approximately 250,000 patients, a testament to the deepening trust in TCM among the local population.
The event in Cospicua highlighted not only the success of these free medical services but also the growing integration of traditional Chinese medicine within the Maltese healthcare landscape. It is clear that such events are making a significant impact, fostering greater awareness of alternative medical treatments while addressing the healthcare needs of the local community.
