Chinese hospital ship to offer free medical services in Port Moresby

The Chinese hospital ship Silk Road Ark will visit Port Moresby this week to provide free medical treatment to the public as part of a humanitarian mission across the Pacific.

The vessel is expected to dock at T Wharf and offer medical services from April 9 to April 13, giving residents access to a range of free healthcare services.

The visit forms part of China’s “Mission Harmony” humanitarian medical outreach, which will see the ship travel to several countries in the South Pacific and Latin America, including Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga, Nauru and others.

The Silk Road Ark is China’s second domestically designed 10,000-tonne ocean-going hospital ship and is undertaking its first overseas mission. The ship carries 14 clinical departments and seven diagnostic units, capable of performing more than 60 types of medical procedures, including general surgery, orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology, and eye care. An onboard helicopter also supports emergency medical operations.

Medical services in Port Moresby will be available daily from 9:30am to 11:30am and 1:30pm to 5pm from April 9 to April 11. On April 12 and 13, services will begin earlier at 8:30am, with the final day ending at 11:30am.

Patients are advised to bring identification documents or be prepared to complete an information card with details such as name, gender and age before boarding.

Organisers say patients with fever above 37.5°C, signs of infectious diseases, critical conditions, or elderly patients without family support may not be allowed to board for treatment. Intoxicated persons, those carrying weapons, or anyone chewing betel nut will also be refused entry.

Triage will close 30 minutes before the end of each session, at 11:00am and 4:30pm. Only pedestrians will be allowed into the dock area, with no vehicles permitted.

The humanitarian mission team includes medical personnel from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy, along with specialists from supporting medical and logistics units. The visit aims to provide free treatment and strengthen people-to-people ties through healthcare services.