MONTEGO BAY, St James — Thursday’s arrival of Chinese medical ship Ark Silk Road
will help local healthcare professionals wade through an extensive backlog of elective surgeries that had been postponed because of Hurricane Melissa.

“With Melissa, all we are doing is emergency surgeries. So elective surgeries are being pushed back even more. This facility gives us the opportunity to start clearing that backlog. I toured it… It is a first-class, modern hospital with everything,” Western Regional Health Authority Clinical Coordinator Dr Delroy Fray told journalists Thursday during a visit to Montego Bay Shipping Pier where the vessel is docked.

He said staff on the hospital ship have agreed to do five cataract surgeries per day, four hernia repairs daily, up to 100 CT scans, 40 ultrasounds, and a number of routine laboratory investigations.

Dr Fray said Jamaican surgical and ophthalmology teams will be stationed on-board throughout the mission to ensure seamless continuity of care.

“Our ophthalmologists and surgeons will be here. Once results are available, they will be placed in the hospital outpatient department for full follow-up. No patient will be lost. It’s a continuation of service,” he explained.

He added that while the ship has eight operating theatres, the visiting medical team prefers a collaborative approach.

“They insist that we will work together… and that’s good. There will also be a language challenge, so our team will help with notes, follow-ups, and referrals back to the hospital,” Dr Fray added.

During the official welcome ceremony, Chinese Ambassador Wang Jinfeng said the visit reflects the deep and long-standing ties between the two countries. He pointed out that the Chinese Navy’s Peace Ark
last visited Jamaica in 2011, providing services to more than 1,500 patients, and described the return of a Chinese hospital ship as “a significant milestone in China–Jamaica relations”.

The ambassador noted that in the wake of the Category 5 hurricane, China has provided US$2 million in grant assistance, along with US$2.1 million in humanitarian relief supplies, including instant food, lighting equipment, tents, prefabricated houses, garbage trucks, water trucks, diesel generators, and construction equipment.

“Our sincere hope is that China’s assistance will make a meaningful contribution to Jamaica’s disaster relief and reconstruction,” he said.

Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon made the point that the ‘floating hospital’ had arrived at a crucial time, as many residents are seeking medical care, not only for storm-related injuries but also for long-standing health issues.

“The burden on our health system has been heavy. This visit provides some relief, even if for three days,” he said.

“This stop in Montego Bay shows the strength of our partnership with China, the commitment of the local Chinese community, and the ambassador, who went above and beyond to ensure we got a stop from this floating hospital,” he added.

Yangsen Li, speaking on behalf of the local Chinese community, added that the visit offers an invaluable opportunity for Jamaicans seeking comprehensive care.

“Hurricane Melissa has caused so much harm, and many people have long-standing conditions without access to the right doctor,” he noted.

“This is a very good opportunity because they have both Western and Eastern doctors working together. You can get a full check-up to understand what is causing your illness,” he added.

The Ark Silk Road will remain in Montego Bay for three days before travelling to other communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

Members of the local Chinese community leaving the Chinese Hospital Ship Ark Silk Road after a tour, while others await their turn to board at Montego Bay port on Thursday. (Photos: Horace Hines)

Chinese Ambassador Wang Jinfeng (third right) being greeted by crew as he tours the Chinese Navy Hospital Ship Ark Silk Road on Thursday.

Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon (right) is greeted by a member of the Chinese Hospital Ship Ark Silk Road on board the vessel on Thursday. Looking on from second left are Naudia Crosskill, chief executive officer of the St James Municipal Corporation Corporation; Chinese Ambassador Wang Jinfeng and Stacy Silvera.