Medical ship brings hope, relief to Kingston

Seconds before he was transported out of an ambulance into a wheelchair bound for the People's Republic of China medical ship, Silk Road Ark, Kevin Henry breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Almost a week ago, his health failed, leaving him drowning in medical bills. But earlier this week, he got some ease when he was told that the hospital would be able to facilitate him for a CT scan.

"This is a huge relief for me because from what I am told, CT scan comes with a price and it takes off a financial burden off mi. The procedure could not be done at KPH at the time, but now I am able to do it free of cost and I am thankful," he said. Henry has been admitted at KPH since last week following a suspected stroke.

"Everything was normal but last Thursday I just wake up and realise I couldn't move and I have been at the hospital since. Hopefully this exam will determine exactly what is wrong with me," he said.

The medical ship arrived at the Port Royal Cruise Pier on Monday after spending three days in Montego Bay, St James. Up to midday yesterday, 3,105 persons were treated by members of the medical team. Of that number, 1,354 were males and 1,751 females. A senior representative at the Chinese Embassy, and spokesperson for the medical team said on Monday that they accommodated approximately 700 patients, some of whom required surgeries, in three hours.

"The doctors on board have an exchange with a very senior representative and as far as our experience in Montego Bay, we have seen multiple complex hernias and cataract cases," she said.

When THE STAR visited the pier yesterday, the majority of patients were already on board. Members of the local Chinese community were observed registering for medical services while others worked as volunteers.

"There are patients onboard that have been admitted overnight. They have been operated on and are placed under observation. They even have company and the ship is providing them with meals. All of the patients are local and there are about 10 of them," the representative said.

The Silk Road Ark departed China approximately four months ago with Jamaica being its fifth stop.

"Our last stop was Ecuador. We were planning to Jamaica but no at this time. But, when Melissa came, the team decided to come and assist," said the representative. The Silk Road Ark has 300 beds and is staffed with approximately 100 medical professionals.