Cape Town - Chinese hospital ship Peace Ark has docked for the first time in Cape Town, on a mission aimed at strengthening military ties and reinforcing humanitarian medical skills with South Africa.
The SA Military Health Service, together with the SA Navy, received the crew at the Cape Town port yesterday. The ship will be docked at the V&A Basin berth jetty 2 until August 29. The SANDF said the joint national and interdepartmental exercise for humanitarian medical service between China and South Africa hoped to assist local communities with comprehensive medical care.
“The vessel is to land on South African shores for the first time ahead of its renowned ‘Mission Harmony’.
“Including its rescue helicopter on board, the hospital vessel is equipped with more than 100 medical personnel. She will provide independent medical services for seven consecutive days with a 600 to 700 outpatient treating capacity and conducting physical medical examinations. Amongst other services on board will be laboratory services, specialised health services, surgical procedures, and is capacitated with in-patient treatment.”
The SANDF said the fully fledged naval medical vessel will be operating alongside the SA Military Health Service’s trained staff and personnel.
The series of events will culminate on August 28, with social responsibility programmes and community involvement. “The SA Navy and SA Air Force will provide logistical, technical and engineering support alongside the docked medical vessel of the People’s Republic of China.
“The South African Military Health Service provides clinical and medical support to the South African armed forces in joint military operations and peace support mission in the region.
“It is also responsible for comprehensive medical cover for SANDF dependants and statesmen,” the SANDF said.
