A floating symbol of international cooperation has arrived in Barbadian waters, as the Chinese Naval Ship Silk Road Ark opens its gangways to provide comprehensive healthcare to the public through December 27.
The vessel set sail from China in early September for the Mission Harmony 2025, to provide humanitarian support through healthcare services and training to countries in the Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean – Barbados included.
The News On The Go Team was among other media personnel and guests to tour the 4-deck vessel, which is equipped with more than 2,400 pieces of medical equipment, eight operating theatres, 14 clinical departments, seven auxiliary diagnostic and support departments, and a comprehensive maritime medical support system.
This new-generation Hospital Ship, Silk Road Ark, has 300 beds and is capable of providing over 60 types of examinations, treatments, including acupuncture, and surgical procedures in the fields of general surgery, orthopaedics, obstetrics and gynaecology, and ophthalmology.
The Silk Road Ark hospital ship effectively combines the delivery of medical services with academic exchanges and professional skills training.
Director of Medical Services at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Dr. Carlos Chase, says this is an excellent opportunity for Barbados. He welcomes the ship and is looking forward to working with the Chinese to improve the health of our Nation.
Barbados can also expect eight Chinese medical teams working at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital to provide services that are not readily available to Barbadians. Barbados has received this form of support from China over the past seven years.
Dr. Kenneth George, Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, says this mission is more than healthcare; it signals the closeness of ties between Barbados and China.
This opportunity reflects the strengthening of China-Barbados relations. It seeks to better put into practice the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind and for the oceans.
(CW).
