China’s largest hospital ship, Ark Silk Road received 1241 outpatient visits and 14 inpatients in during its four-day in Suva.
The ship’s medical team performed 187 surgeries and 700 auxiliary examinations such as CT, DR, ultrasound and ECG, according to the Chinese Embassy in Fiji.
The embassy highlighted that all the department operated at full capacity and strived to provide the best services to locals.
Designed and built as an emergency medical support platform out at sea, the ship which visited Fiji last week, is on its humanitarian medical mission in the South Pacific.
The Port of Suva was the ship’s second stop on its medical mission voyage.
The Ark Silk Road has a full load displacement of more than 14,000 tonnes, boasting operating rooms, doctor offices as well as nurse stations and hundreds of beds.
The vessel can also support the operation of various departments such as internal medicine, general surgery, traditional Chinese medicine, orthopedics, dermatology and gastroenterology with more than 100 medical personnel from renowned hospitals in China working onboard.
The ship can allow eight surgical operations simultaneously and has a rescue helicopter available onboard.
Commissioned two years ago, the ship is led by task commander, Naval Senior Captain, Peng Guliang and Naval Senior Captain, Fang Jinsong.
Task commander, Sr Capt. Peng said the friendship between China and Fiji had a long history.
“Today the Chinese Navy carries the profound sentiments of the Chinese people,” he said.
“On behalf of Commander Fang Jinsong and all crew members of the Ark Silk Road, I extend our sincere greetings and best wishes.
“Fiji was one of the first Pacific Island nations to establish diplomatic relations with China. Since then, exchanges between the governments and peoples of our two countries have been close, and our bilateral relations have continued to grow stronger and more robust.”
Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) chief of staff, Brigadier-General Sapenafa Motufaga and the chief of staff officer, International Defence Cooperation, Major Atonio Nagauna represented the RFMF during the welcoming ceremony at the Suva Port.
Brig-Gen Motufaga thanked Naval Senior Captain, Peng Guliang, the officers and crew for sailing thousands of kilometres across the blue Pacific Ocean to come to Fiji.
“You have braved the challenges of the weather and oceans during your trip. Your presence in Fiji and the health services you will offer to the people of Suva will strengthen the relationship between Fiji and China.”
The ship’s officers and crew participated in free medical services, visits for learning and cultural exchanges during their stay.
Snr. Capt. Peng and his delegation also had the chance to visit the Deputy Commander of the RFMF, Commodore Humphrey Tawake at the RFMF Strategic Headquarters in Berkley Crescent, Suva.
The ship will spend eight days in the country before departing for Tonga.
Gynecological and obstetrics doctor Min Li on board the Chinese naval hospital ship Ark Silk Road at the Kings wharf, Port of Suva on October 1. Picture: KATA KOLI
Chinese navy medical personnels during the welcoming ceremony of the Chinese naval hospital ship Ark Silk Road at the Kings Wharf, Port of Suva on Wednesday last week. Picture: KATA KOLI
