Jamaica’s health sector has received a major boost following the arrival of the People’s Republic of China’s advanced navy hospital ship, the Silk Road Ark, which docked at the Montego Bay Freeport in St. James on Thursday, December 4.
The vessel will deliver outpatient care, diagnostic services, and elective surgeries, strengthening Jamaica’s national recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.
Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, who toured the vessel with a Jamaican delegation, expressed appreciation for China’s swift support.
“We have, in the true spirit of friendship and cooperation, [seen that] the people and the Government of China have dispatched and have adjusted their schedule to be here in Jamaica earlier than was originally planned,” he said.
Dr. Tufton described the Silk Road Ark as “ultra-modern”, noting that “it is [the] newest [vessel] in [China’s] fleet of hospital ships, and its [presence is timely, given] the challenges we face”.
He highlighted that the vessel is staffed by more than 100 clinicians and support personnel and equipped with multiple operating theatres, advanced diagnostic technology, and a wide range of medical specialties. The team will perform elective procedures, including hernia repairs, and host outpatient clinics in Montego Bay, Kingston, and Falmouth in the coming days.
“This is a full-service hospital on the seas. It has 300 beds… [so, accommodating] 600 patients a day would not be impossible, based on their capacity and the personnel that they have,” Dr. Tufton explained, adding that the ship’s services will ease pressure on the national health system during the recovery period.
“The Chinese vessel and team are helping us to fill a gap… while we are… building back our system so that we can assume the arrangement. The benefits are many, and we will only be better for it,” he said.
China’s Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Wang Jinfeng, offered condolences to those affected by Hurricane Melissa and reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral partnership.
“As emphasised by Chinese President, Xi Jinping, Jamaica is China’s strategic partner, and our peoples have deepened our friendship. The latest medical ship… has brought the assistance of the Chinese Government. They will provide humanitarian medical service for the Jamaican people,” he said.
Ambassador Wang noted that after its three-day stop in Montego Bay, the vessel will continue to Kingston and Falmouth, expressing confidence that Jamaica will “rebuild stronger and more resilient”.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie said the support is especially timely, with several hospitals facing disruptions after Hurricane Melissa.
“This ship being here at this time [presents] an opportunity for us to get some of our elective surgical cases done and some of our eye cases done,” she said.
She added that the extended mission will also aid Kingston-based hospitals, which have been managing increased patient loads due to self-referrals and transfers from the western region.
“We’re really hoping to take full advantage of this opportunity to get as much done as possible,” Dr. Bisasor-McKenzie said, adding that Jamaican health officials look forward to future collaboration with China.
The Silk Road Ark continues China’s humanitarian outreach in the region and builds on years of cooperation with Jamaica, including medical missions and support provided during the COVID-19 pandemic.
