JAMAICANS are to benefit from medical services offered by the United States Navy hospital ship, Comfort, which docked at the Kingston Container Terminal on Monday.

The medical personnel on board will carry out procedures as well as outreach activities at the National Arena and the Maxfield Park Health Centre, from today until next Wednesday.

The ship's visit to Jamaica forms part of its six-month humanitarian mission across the Caribbean region. It is expected that hundreds of Jamaicans will receive medical care during the ship's stay.

United States Marine Corporal, Philip Henry, one of three Jamaican-born personnel working on the ship, said that the visit is part of efforts to sustain the partnership between the United States and neighbouring countries.

"Its primary purpose is to continue the partnership between the United States and neighbouring countries in Southern and Central America and the Caribbean. The medical personnel will carry out different medical procedures. They will also exchange whatever expertise they have with local medical personnel," he said.

Medical services to be provided include optometry, dentistry, general medical, women's health and paediatrics.

Corporal Henry pointed out that the ship will be off-loading several items which will be donated to selected institutions.

"We have school supplies, medical supplies and construction supplies, and these will be going out to the local communities in Kingston and some locations in St Catherine," he said.

Additionally, they will provide engineering services to schools in Kingston and St Andrew and participate in several community relations activities, as well as carry out veterinary procedures with local veterinarians.

The ship is expected to depart on May 14.

-- JIS