“Silk Road Ark” Sets Sail: Chinese Naval Hospital Ship Embarks on First Medical Mission

GUANGZHOU, July 10 (Xinhua) – The Chinese naval hospital ship “Silk Road Ark” departed on Wednesday, embarking on a medical mission to the Xisha and Nansha islands, as well as the islands and reefs off the southern coast of China. This marks the ship’s first mission since its commissioning.

Equipped with 14 clinical departments, including orthopedics, general surgery, dermatology, and gastroenterology, the “Silk Road Ark” boasts the capability to perform up to eight surgeries simultaneously and treat over 300 patients at any given time.

The mission aims to provide free medical diagnosis and treatment for military personnel and residents on these remote islands. Additionally, the medical team will examine and repair local medical facilities and educate residents on common and frequently occurring diseases.

The medical staff onboard comprises personnel from the First Naval Hospital of the Southern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the PLA General Hospital, General Hospital of the Southern Theater Command, and Naval Medical University.

This initiative highlights China’s commitment to improving healthcare access in remote areas, leveraging advanced medical resources to support both military and civilian populations.