Humanitarian Medical Mission from China Arrives

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says the humanitarian medical mission from China represents one of the most significant acts of post-hurricane support, as Jamaica continues to recover from the passage of Hurricane Melissa on October 28.

Speaking to journalists following a tour of the Silk Road Ark medical ship at the Montego Bay Freeport in St. James on December 5, Dr. Tufton highlighted the scale of the contribution being made to Jamaica’s healthcare system.

The Silk Road Ark medical team is expected to conduct hundreds of outpatient consultations, diagnostic procedures, and elective surgeries during its mission. After its three-day stop in Montego Bay, the vessel will also visit Kingston and Falmouth, Trelawny and is expected to aid some 600 patients per day at each location.

“This for us is significant because you’re talking about hundreds of individuals who will be served. They are providing all their equipment, all their medication, all the doctors, nurses, diagnostics. If you were to put a value on this, it would run into millions and millions of dollars,” he outlined.

The Minister emphasised that the mission showcases the strength of the bilateral relationship between Jamaica and China, as well as the commitment of other international partners to support the island in times of crisis.

“We have had significant support. It is overwhelming. It tells us that there is humanity in all of us, irrespective of political divide or otherwise, other differences, cultural barriers or otherwise. Human life is of utmost importance, and we all have to come together and assist,” he said.

The Minister noted that the intervention will help expedite the return of health services in regions where demand remains high, due to ongoing hurricane-related disruptions.

Accompanying Dr. Tufton on the tour of the ship were Ambassador of China to Jamaica, His Excellency Jinfeng Wang; Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie; and Regional Director of the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), St. Andrade Sinclair.