2,400 to received medical assistance on floating hospital

Caption:  The Ark Peace docked at the main wharf down town Port Moresby.

Caption:  (L) Chinese Ambassador Li Ruiyou, Rear Admiral Shen Hao, Minister Malabag, and Colonel Mark Goina on a tour of the ship.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, September 14, 2014 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

A TOTAL of 2,400 residents in the National Capital District are expected to receive medical treatment aboard the People’s Republic of China’s floating naval hospital ship, the Ark Peace, starting since Friday through to Wednesday this week.

The majestic vessel made its way into the city’s main wharf early last week Thursday to a welcome reception from the local Chinese community, PNGDF military brass and the Minister for Health Michael Malabag and a traditional dance group.

Docked in the wharf, the impressive 178 meter long and 36 meter high vessel, features the very best in state-of-the-art medical equipment and services- visiting the country for the time after previous visits to other Pacific countries like Vanuatu, Fiji, and Tonga.

Welcoming the ship, its mission commander Rear Admiral Shen Hao, and it crew- Minister Malabag was impressed with the ship’s reputation in delivering quality effective health care throughout the world’s regions, including its response to Typhoon Haiyan that devastated the Philippines in November 2013.

“I am very impressed with what I have heard and seen of your ship and its capability to provide medical humanitarian services,” Minister Malabag said.

“For Papua New Guinea to have such an occasion, the pleasure of such a visit from the Chinese Government is one that further strengthens our ties.”

“Since China has now become a super power in the world today, the history between our countries has been one that goes a long way- the Chinese people have played a vital role in the development of our country.”

“On behalf of the Prime Minister and the people of the country I welcome you.”

Malabag also announced on his part as a minister, his execution of special powers to exempt the red-tape in processing the medical crews to begin their missions to provide medical services to Port Moresby residents.

Commander Hao thanked the Minister for the special exemptions to permit his officers to start operations.

“As the commander I feel pleased of the warm welcome you have given us, as we carry the sentiment of the Chinese people,” the Rear Admiral said.

“I extend on behalf of my officers a sincere gratitude to the Papua New Guinea Government and the military.”

“The relationship between both our nations is favorable, and I believe that the current visit will consolidate that friendship to build a harmonious world.”

He said that under the leadership of the Chinese Embassy in the country the visit is anticipated to be a success.

Chinese Ambassador Li Ruiyou has welcomed the ship; outlining its many achievements in providing humanitarian medical assistance under the ‘Mission Harmony’ tours, which he said was the forth time to date.

PNGDF Chief of Staff Colonel Mark Goina thanked the Commander Shen for the visit on behalf of the PNGDF Commander, adding that the assistance was vital to both militaries in building capacity.

Teams from the Art Peace will be visiting Port Moresby General Hospital to screen and select patients that require treatment on board the vessel.

Priority will also be given to defense personnel of the PNGDF and their families, along with exchanges from both military medical teams during the stay.

The ship boast ophthalmology services, laboratories, Chinese traditional medicine, emergency services, operating theaters, a C-T scanners, 8 operating theaters that can perform up to 40 major surgeries a day, and many more medical services..

It has a further 20 intensive care unit beds, and 300 regular hospital beds.

The ship will leave the country on September 18 (Thursday).