The People's Liberation Army Navy's hospital ship Silk Road Ark has docked in Montego Bay as part of Mission Harmony 2025, launching a 12-day medical assistance program for communities affected by Hurricane Melissa. The Category 4 storm, which struck Jamaica's southwest in late November 2025, overwhelmed local healthcare infrastructure, creating urgent demand for specialized care.
Operating across Montego Bay, Kingston, and Falmouth ports, the floating medical facility brings advanced diagnostic equipment and a 300-member crew including surgeons, epidemiologists, and disaster response specialists. This deployment marks China's first Caribbean medical mission since 2023, aligning with growing international health cooperation initiatives.
Jamaican health authorities have welcomed the support, particularly for remote coastal communities still facing limited access to care. The Silk Road Ark will remain stationed through December 20, 2025, with plans to treat over 5,000 patients and conduct emergency surgical procedures.
