Chinese naval hospital ship "Silk Road Ark" returned to a naval port in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province on Wednesday after wrapping up a medical mission on the Xisha and Nansha islands, as well as the islands and reefs off the south China coast.
Departing from Zhanjiang City in south China's Guangdong Province on July 10, the hospital ship sailed more than 3,600 nautical miles over the past 29 days, providing diagnosis and treatment for over 3,500 military personnel and residents on the islands and reefs.
"It is very inconvenient for us to get on and off the island, and it is very difficult for us to see a doctor. This medical service at the sea border has provided us with complete medical care. The medical staff offered good services and meticulous examination, which makes me feel deeply the care and warmth of our country for our officers and soldiers stationed on the islands. I will definitely carry this warmth with me, hold on to my post and defend the sea borders of our country," said Li Xiaolong, a soldier stationed on Xisha Islands.
The medical center of the hospital ship made sound patrol plan, preparing commonly used medicines, completing the annual medical checkups for the officers and soldiers, and educating the residents on common and frequently-occurring diseases.
"Through this medical service, I've seen the hardship of the officers and soldiers stationed on the islands and reefs, witnessed their difficulties in seeking medical treatment, and also felt their ardent expectation for our medical services. This has strengthened our determination to help defend their health," said Huang Zhenjun, a doctor with the hospital ship.
Meanwhile, the art team of the hospital ship traveled to each island and reef and staged wonderful shows for the military officers and soldiers.
It is the independently-developed ship's first medical mission since going into service.
With 14 clinical departments, such as orthopedics, general surgery, dermatology and gastroenterology, the ship has the capacity for eight surgeries to be performed and over 300 patients to receive treatment onboard at the same time.
Chinese naval hospital ship completes medical mission on South China Sea islands, reefs
