The Sino-Central African Friendship Hospital in Bangui is undergoing an $11.5 million renovation and expansion project, as China and the Central African Republic seek to strengthen healthcare services in the country.

Built in 1990 with Chinese support, the hospital has over the years deteriorated. Chinese experts are now working alongside their Central African Republic counterparts to oversee its rehabilitation.

The project includes the renovation of existing facilities and construction of new buildings, an intensive care unit and a telemedicine center.

Health officials say the upgrades are expected to improve access to specialized treatment and strengthen the country's healthcare capacity.

Beyond medical services, the hospital also serves as a teaching facility for the University of Bangui, providing a training environment for medical students and professionals.

"This hospital has played a major role for decades in providing essential healthcare, particularly to disadvantaged populations. With the rehabilitation of the infrastructure, we hope Chinese medical technology will be deployed here, helping us avoid medical evacuations, which are very expensive for an economy as fragile as that of the Central African Republic," economist Ganazoui Yandoko said.

Professor Emmanuel Yangatimbi said the upgraded facility would provide better conditions for treating patients.

The project will also introduce new diagnostic equipment, including a scanner, as part of efforts to improve the treatment of serious medical conditions.

For the Central African Republic, the rehabilitation is expected to improve healthcare delivery while deepening medical cooperation with China.