China’s Navy hospital ship arrives to bolster Jamaica’s post-hurricane health sector recovery
- rollenews
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Jamaica’s health sector has been bolstered by the arrival of the People’s Republic of China’s advanced navy hospital ship, the Silk Road Ark, which docked at Montego Bay Freeport in St. James on Thursday (December 4).
The vessel will facilitate outpatient care, diagnostic services, and elective surgeries, thereby strengthening Jamaica’s national recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, accompanied by a Jamaican delegation during a tour of the vessel, conveyed appreciation for China’s timely intervention in support of the nation’s health sector.
“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”.
The Minister highlighted that the vessel is staffed by more than 100 clinicians and support personnel, equipped with multiple operating theatres, advanced diagnostic technology, and a wide range of medical specialties.
He noted that 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.
He emphasised that the ship’s services will ease pressure on the 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,” Minister Tufton stated.
Meanwhile, China’s Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Wang Jinfeng, conveyed heartfelt condolences to those affected by Hurricane Melissa and reaffirmed the enduring partnership between both nations.
“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 further noted that following its three‑day stop in Montego Bay, the vessel will continue to Kingston and Falmouth. He emphasised the team’s confidence that Jamaica will “rebuild stronger and more resilient”.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, underscored the significance of the support at this juncture, noting that several hospitals sustained disruptions in the aftermath of 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.
The CMO added that the extended mission will provide support to Kingston‑based hospitals, which are currently managing increased patient loads resulting from 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 the team looks forward to future partnerships with China based on the ship’s facilities and expertise.
The Silk Road Ark represents an extension of China’s ongoing humanitarian outreach in the region and builds on years of collaboration with Jamaica in areas such as medical missions and support provided during the COVID‑19 pandemic.
