The Chinese use a mix of modern medicine or traditional Chinese medicine to treat patients such as acupuncture and natural herbal medicine, which can relieve patients with illnesses such as colds, flu, and coughs.

Up to 3000 people have been consulted on board the Ark Peace this week, and as of yesterday afternoon, 15 August, 14 operations had been completed, including eye cataract removal and for hand and foot injuries.

Medical personnel will be flown over to ‘Eua in an ambulance helicopter tomorrow, 17 August, to provide medical services to locals. Anyone found to require urgent surgery will be flown to the ship docked at Vuna Wharf.

There has also been an exchange of medical personnel between Vaiola Hospital and the Ark Peace staff. Chinese medical personnel have been dispatched to Vaiola Hospital and clinics around Tongatapu to work with local staff. While local staff from Vaiola Hospital have been working with their Chinese counterparts on the ship.

Rear Admiral Guan Bailin said by working together both Tongan and Chinese medical staff would learn from each other.

Common ailments

The ship’s second visit to the Pacific Island countries of Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, have found that Pacific people suffer from common ailments, said Rear Admiral Guan Bailin.

“These include eye diseases, dental problems and diabetes.”

He said in Tonga the diseases had not changed much since their first visit in 2014. 

“When we have finished our work, we will compile a summary of details and hand it over to the Ministry of Health so they understand the type of diseases treated on board.”

Rear Admiral Bailin said there were many people who wanted to be treated but because of the limited time they had in Tonga, they might not be able to see everyone. However, the Ark Peace may return to Tonga.

“We will return again in the future if we are asked to,” he said.

The ship leaves Tonga next Monday to continue its 'Mission Harmony 2018' medical service tour visiting over 10 countries in Oceania and the Americas.