The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy hospital ship, known as the “Peace Ark,” set sail from the military port of Zhoushan in east China’s Zhejiang Province on Sunday morning. The ship embarks on Mission Harmony-2024, a voyage dedicated to delivering medical services across the globe.
During this mission, the “Peace Ark” will visit 13 countries in Africa and Asia, including Seychelles, Tanzania, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Angola, the Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, Benin, Mauritania, Djibouti, and Sri Lanka. The ship will provide much-needed medical assistance to local communities, strengthening international ties through humanitarian efforts. Additionally, it will make port calls in France and Greece.
This journey marks the 10th installment of Mission Harmony since the “Peace Ark” was commissioned in 2008. Over the years, the ship has become a symbol of China’s commitment to global health and cooperation. On this mission, it will offer free diagnoses and treatments for common and prevalent diseases. Medical services will be extended not only to local residents but also to staff at Chinese institutions abroad and overseas Chinese communities through onboard clinics and dispatched medical teams.
The maritime hospital is staffed by over 100 personnel and features 17 clinical departments along with five auxiliary diagnostic departments. Equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology, the “Peace Ark” is capable of providing a wide range of medical services, from general healthcare to specialized treatments.
As China’s first domestically designed and constructed standard ocean-going hospital ship, the “Peace Ark” has made significant contributions to global health initiatives. To date, it has visited 45 countries and regions, offering medical services to more than 290,000 people worldwide. Its missions have not only alleviated medical shortages in various regions but also fostered goodwill and mutual understanding between China and other nations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
