Chinese hospital ship starts Pacific Is visit in Nuku'alofa [1]
Wednesday, August 13, 2014 - 16:42. Updated on Wednesday, August 13, 2014 - 16:49.
The Ark Peace, a Naval Hospital Ship from China, arrived this morning at Vuna Wharf on a one-week visit to provide medical services to the people of Tonga.
The Deputy Prime Minister Hon Samiu Vaipulu, the Chinese Ambassador HE Mr Huang Huanghuang and His Majesty’s Armed Forces welcomed the Mission Commander Rear Admiral Shen Hao and his crew.
This is the first visit of the hospital ship to the South Pacific region with Tonga its first stop out of four Pacific countries, under its 'Harmony Mission 2014'.
Rear-Admiral Shen thanked the Tongan Government, military and local people and Chinese for the extravagant welcome.
He said at the invitation of Tonga the Ark Peace would provide medical services to local people and the military, while extending medical communications and cooperation with Tongan medical crew.
The visited promoted an international humanitarian spirit and development, he said. “I am convinced this visit will enhance cooperation between our two militaries and consolidate a friendly relationship between our two people.”
The Deputy Prime Minister who toured the ship thanked the People’s Liberation Army Navy for including Tonga on the ship’s visit.
Medical services
The ship brings 385 crew-members including 132 medical personnel to provide medical services with physical examinations, diagnosis and treatment on board starting tomorrow Thursday, 14 August.
Doctors and nurses from Vaiola Hospital will also be on board to take part in providing the medical services. A team will be dispatched to carry out the same service at Vaiola Hospital and health centers throughout Tongatapu while some medical personnel will visit schools.
A patrol medical team of 10 people and two Tongan medical staff are expected to fly on the ship's helicopter to 'Eua to provide diagnosis and treatment on Monday, 18 August.
Commissioned in October 2008, the ship has a full displacement of 14,300 tons. It has an ambulance helicopter and is equipped with 300 beds, eight operating rooms and more than 200 types of medical devices including CT, ultrasonic, biochemistry analyzer and monitors.