Chinese medical ship with over 100 clinicians begins operations in Jamaica

The Chinese medical ship Silk Road Ark, staffed by “over 100 clinicians and support team members,” has begun providing outpatient medical services in Montego Bay as Jamaica bolsters its healthcare capacity following Hurricane Melissa.

Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton welcomed the vessel on Thursday, describing it as a timely and highly technical boost to the country’s healthcare capacity following the storm.

Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica in October, devastating much of the western end of the island and causing damage to several hospitals and health centres across the region.

Speaking with reporters after an extensive tour of the ship at the Montego Bay Cruise Ship Terminal, Tufton said it is already delivering outpatient services to both Jamaican and Chinese residents.

“They have several operating theatres, significant diagnostic equipment, various specialties,” he noted. “They’re working with the local team to identify those persons and to give that type of support.”

The ship will operate in Montego Bay, Kingston and Falmouth and is scheduled to carry out elective surgeries, including hernia procedures, over the coming week.

Tufton said the partnership builds on long-standing medical cooperation between Jamaica and China.

“We got significant help during the COVID period… This time it is very well needed because of the challenges that we face,” he said, referencing the impact on the health sector in Western Jamaica, which sustained damage during the storm. “We are very pleased with what we see.”

— Albert Ferguson

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.