MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – The Chinese naval hospital ship Ark Silk Road has arrived in this Caribbean port city, initiating a crucial three-day medical mission to assist communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The vessel’s deployment represents a significant bilateral cooperation effort, combining advanced medical capabilities with humanitarian relief.
Medical authorities confirmed the ship’s arrival will directly address a critical backlog of elective surgeries postponed due to the hurricane’s impact on healthcare infrastructure. Dr. Delroy Fray, Western Regional Health Authority Clinical Coordinator, described the floating medical facility as “a first-class, modern hospital” equipped with comprehensive medical resources.
The collaborative medical operation will feature joint Sino-Jamaican medical teams working across eight operating theaters. Daily capacity includes five cataract surgeries, four hernia repairs, approximately 100 CT scans, 40 ultrasounds, and numerous laboratory investigations. Jamaican surgical and ophthalmology specialists will remain stationed aboard throughout the mission to ensure continuity of patient care and seamless follow-up treatment through local outpatient departments.
Chinese Ambassador Wang Jinfeng emphasized the historical significance of this mission, noting that the Chinese Navy’s Peace Ark previously served Jamaican patients in 2011. “This visit reflects the deep and long-standing ties between our nations,” Ambassador Wang stated during welcoming ceremonies, characterizing the ship’s return as “a significant milestone in China-Jamaica relations.”
The medical assistance complements substantial Chinese humanitarian support following the Category 5 hurricane, including $2 million in grant assistance and $2.1 million in relief supplies encompassing emergency food, lighting equipment, shelter materials, and reconstruction machinery.
Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon acknowledged the strategic timing of the intervention, noting that the regional healthcare system faces dual pressures from storm-related injuries and pre-existing medical conditions. Local Chinese community representative Yangsen Li highlighted the unique integrative medical approach, combining Western and Eastern medical expertise to provide comprehensive patient evaluations.
The Ark Silk Road will subsequently travel to other hurricane-affected communities following its Montego Bay deployment.