The Chinese naval hospital ship Silk Road Ark returned home on Sunday after 234 days at sea. The voyage codenamed Mission Harmony 2025 began in September last year. The ship visited Nauru, Fiji, Tonga, Jamaica, Barbados, and Papua New Guinea. It delivered free medical services to local communities throughout the region. This medical mission completed the longest deployment of its kind in Chinese navy history.
The team handled 26,324 outpatient visits during the eight month deployment. They performed 2,724 surgical operations as part of the voyage. The crew carried out 17,273 diagnostic tests and examinations as well. Additionally, 136 patients received inpatient care aboard the vessel. The crew also conducted medical exchanges during stops in Brazil and Chile. They took part in joint maritime exercises with Fiji, Tonga and Brazil.
Silk Road Ark is a 10,000 ton class standard oceangoing vessel with advanced facilities. It has 14 clinical departments and seven auxiliary units onboard. The ship features eight modern operating rooms for various surgeries. It can perform more than 60 types of surgical procedures. The vessel also carries a ship borne rescue helicopter for emergencies. The medical mission completed its work using China’s second domestically built hospital ship.
In Fiji, the medical team diagnosed a local man with rectal cancer. He had suffered from persistent abdominal pain before seeking treatment. Chinese doctors performed a complex mid to low rectal cancer surgery. The operation succeeded with help from local doctors and anesthesiologists. The patient’s family expressed gratitude in halting Chinese after the procedure. Fiji’s Defense Minister called Silk Road Ark a welcome symbol of care and goodwill.
Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica in late October last year. The storm caused casualties and heavy property damage across coastal areas. It placed severe strain on the country’s healthcare system as well. Silk Road Ark visited Jamaica in early December at their request. The ship extended its stay and added service sites for local residents. It docked at three ports and provided 12 days of medical services. This marked the first time a Mission Harmony ship docked at multiple ports in one country. It also represented the longest medical service period in a single nation.
The ship established a priority channel for post disaster medical relief. It offered expedited services to elderly and disabled vulnerable groups. Medical staff sometimes worked from early morning until late at night. Head nurse Wu Yanru said physical exhaustion was significant by day’s end. However, patients’ grateful smiles and local doctors’ sincere thanks made it worthwhile. The medical mission completed its final stops before returning home this week.
A four year old patient in Barbados received a paper boat as a gift. She asked if it was a boat that treats illnesses like the real ship. When told yes, she leaned in and gave the paper boat a kiss. Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said the ship brought hope to many people. The PLA Navy celebrated its 77th founding anniversary on Thursday. A five year old patient clutching a paper boat expressed a simple wish. She hoped the Chinese doctors would return to Barbados again next year. The medical mission completed its objectives and left lasting goodwill across six nations.
