ULAN BATOR, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- China has been making great contributions to the development of Mongolia's health sector by supporting the construction of hospitals, donating advanced medical devices and providing training for medical staff, Mongolian Health Minister Davaajantsan Sarangerel told Xinhua in a recent interview.

　　"Mongolia and China are eternal neighbors. In recent years, our two countries have enjoyed good ties and cooperation in the health sector," she said.

　　China has built several public hospitals in Mongolia in recent years as donations, the minister said, noting that the hospitals have helped improving healthcare accessibility and affordability in the country.

　　A China-funded medical center for disabled children was officially put into operation in the Bayangol district of the capital city of Ulan Bator on May 31. It is equipped with 250 beds, and can provide treatment for up to 250 outpatients a day simultaneously.

　　The minister said the medical center, fully equipped with advanced equipment, is the first of its kind in Mongolia.

　　In addition, China has been assisting Mongolian medical personnel in improving their professional skills. A total of 80 medical workers have been trained in China so far this year, according to the minister.

　　2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Mongolia. The two sides have organized several events in the medical humanitarian area to mark the occasion, the minister said.

　　A project called "The Belt and Road-Brightness Trip", aimed at providing at least 1,000 Mongolians with free cataract surgery within the next five years, was launched in June, she said.

　　The minister expressed her gratitude toward strong support from China, saying that she is very happy that Mongolian citizens have been able to reap tangible benefits from China-funded humanitarian activities.

　　Considering its population growth and a growing prevalence of diseases, Mongolia has made plans to build several new hospitals, including an organ transplant center, a cancer treatment center and a national cardiovascular center, Sarangerel said, adding that Mongolia would like to cooperate with China in the building of these new facilities.