The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy hospital ship, Auspicious Ark, set sail from a port in Qingdao, located in east China’s Shandong Province, on Wednesday, embarking on a humanitarian medical service mission to <a href="https://absafricatv.com/germanys-growing-interest-in-africa-a-win-for-both-sides/” title=”Germany's growing interest in Africa: A win for both sides?”>Africa and South Asia.
Mission Harmony-2026, which marks the 12th iteration of Mission Harmony since its inception in 2010, is slated to span over 200 days, during which the ship will make stops at multiple countries in Africa and South Asia, providing complimentary medical services to local residents.
The vessel departed the port at approximately 10:00, signifying its first overseas mission since being commissioned, and underscoring its readiness for international humanitarian endeavors.
On board the hospital ship are 18 clinical departments and five diagnostic support departments, enabling the crew to conduct more than 60 types of medical examinations, treatments, and surgical procedures across various disciplines, including general surgery, orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, and others.
The ship is also equipped with eight standard operating rooms, further enhancing its capacity to deliver comprehensive medical care.
“The hospital ship Auspicious Ark shoulders the responsibility of spreading peace. For its first overseas mission, it will visit many countries and have long port calls. All officers and soldiers on the mission will build a maritime bridge of friendship through professional medical services,” said Gao Guozheng, a crew member.
The crew will also engage in cultural exchange activities with the people of the countries they visit, fostering greater understanding and cooperation between nations.
