33 years of Traditional Chinese Medicine Services in Malta

For more than three decades, China medical professionals have been providing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) services to patients in Malta, strengthening healthcare cooperation between the two countries and offering complementary treatment options to thousands of residents.

The collaboration began in July 1993, when the Jiangsu Provincial Health Commission in China dispatched its first medical team to Malta. Since then, Chinese doctors have been working continuously at the Mediterranean Regional Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine (MRCTCM) in Paola, one of the few officially recognised TCM institutions in Europe. The centre has become an important platform for introducing TCM to the local community and promoting healthcare exchanges between Malta and China.

The 21st China Medical Team is currently serving in Malta. The team consists of Dr Zhang Xiusheng, Dr Xu Guodong, Dr Zhang Lei, Dr Xu Chuanwei, Pan Qi and Chen Qiang. In addition to their work at the TCM centre in Paola, team members also provide services at Mater Dei Hospital and Gozo General Hospital. Recently, the team supported the upgrading of equipment within the TCM department at Mater Dei Hospital, helping to enhance services for local patients.

To date, the centre has provided treatment to more than 260,000 patients

Drawing on the principles of TCM, the centre offers a wide range of therapies, including acupuncture, tuina, cupping therapy, catgut embedding and herbal plaster applications. Treatments are provided for various conditions, including chronic pain disorders such as headaches, joint pain, sciatica, fibromyalgia, trigeminal neuralgia, cervical spondylosis and lumbar disc problems; digestive disorders including irritable bowel syndrome, stomach discomfort, diarrhoea and constipation; chronic conditions such as tinnitus and obesity; as well as insomnia, stress-related conditions and preventive healthcare.

Members of the 21st China Medical Team in Malta, from left: Pan Qi, Dr Xu Chuanwei, Dr Zhang Xiusheng, Dr Zhang Lei, Dr Xu Guodong and Chen Qiang.

A significant milestone was reached on April 7 with the inauguration of the MRCTCM Headache Specialty Clinic, which aims to provide comprehensive pain management services for headache sufferers in Malta. The clinic focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of migraine, tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches and chronic headache disorders through integrated TCM approaches, including acupuncture and tuina therapy.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Zhang Xiusheng, head of the medical team, said: “Our primary goal is to provide comprehensive and personalised care tailored to the needs of every patient, ultimately helping to improve their quality of life.”

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Chen Guihua, Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Malta, and Mr Pace, Chairman of the Centre’s Board of Directors. Both praised the establishment of the specialist clinic and the achievements of healthcare cooperation between Malta and China.

Over the years, the centre has also established a number of specialised outpatient services, including clinics dedicated to neck, shoulder and lower back pain, insomnia and healthy weight management. These initiatives have enabled more focused and personalised treatment pathways for patients.

Members of the 21st China Medical Team noted that Chinese doctors have remained committed to serving patients in Malta for 33 consecutive years, providing professional healthcare services not only to local residents but also to visitors from other European countries. Through continuous clinical practice and cultural exchange activities, the centre has developed into one of the most influential and respected TCM institutions in Malta and the wider Mediterranean region.

To date, the centre has provided treatment to more than 260,000 patients. Its emphasis on safe, non-pharmaceutical and minimally invasive therapies has earned widespread trust and recognition among the Maltese public. The ongoing collaboration continues to serve as a bridge between the healthcare systems of Malta and China, while promoting greater international understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine.