Officials have hailed the Chinese Navy hospital ship Ark Silk Road’s seven-day visit as a triumph for healthcare delivery here, despite public outcry over chaotic crowds, poor access and communication failures that left thousands disappointed.
Officers and soldiers escorted a patient with mobility difficulties safely onto the ship. (GP)
According to a statement from the naval hospital, the ship provided 2 455 outpatient consultations during its stay, conducted 2 127 examinations including CT scans, digital radiography, ultrasound and electrocardiograms, performed 202 surgeries and medical procedures, and admitted 26 patients for inpatient care. Chinese officials said the figures demonstrated the effectiveness of the ship’s onboard medical platform and its contribution to healthcare delivery in Barbados.
But the official assessment stands in contrast to widespread public frustration that marked the early days of the visit. Large crowds descended on the Port of Bridgetown from the start of the mission, which ran for seven days and ended last Saturday, with some people reportedly arriving before dawn and others sleeping overnight in an effort to secure access to the ship’s free medical services. Many waited for hours, only to be turned away when daily quotas were reached, triggering anger, disappointment and criticism on social media and in public discourse.
Medical staff escorted patients with mobility issues to receive medical treatment. (GP)
There was also confusion among members of the public about registration procedures, eligibility requirements and the range of services available. The limited daily intake and the absence of clear, consistent public guidance ahead of the ship’s arrival led to accusations of poor coordination and communication, with questions raised about whether local authorities anticipated the level of demand.
The heavy turnout was widely interpreted as evidence of significant unmet healthcare needs, while also exposing weaknesses in planning and crowd management.
Pre-triage stage. (GP)
During the visit, Minister in the Ministry of Health Davidson Ishmael acknowledged initial logistical challenges but said the team adapted efficiently.
Before its departure on Saturday, Ishmael joined other officials including China’s Ambassador to Barbados, Zheng Bingkai and representatives of the Barbados Defence Force, the Chinese medical team assisting Barbados, Chinese enterprises and the wider Chinese community for a farewell ceremony aboard the vessel.
Medical staff provided medical treatment to Chinese living in Barbados. (GP)
“The scene was filled with sincere and warm sentiments,” the naval hospital statement said.
Chinese officials described Barbados as an important stop in the Caribbean phase of “Harmonious Mission–2025”. Beyond onboard treatment, officers and sailors visited hospitals for medical exchanges and participated in sports, cultural and outreach activities with the Barbados Defence Force, which the statement said helped to deepen bilateral cooperation.
Little white boats were given as gifts to children. (GP)
Little white boats were given as gifts to children. (GP)
President Jeffrey Bostic also boarded the vessel during the seven-day visit, inspected the delivery of medical services, greeted patients receiving treatment and commended the operation.
He “spoke highly of the professional and efficient medical services provided by the Ark Silk Road,” the statement said.
People also visited the medical ship for dental assistance. (GP)
Reflecting on the overall mission, Chinese authorities maintained that the visit achieved its broader objectives despite the challenges on the ground. “The successful completion of this Caribbean visit not only delivered tangible health benefits to local communities, but also built a bridge of friendship between China and Caribbean countries,” according to the statement.
The Ark Silk Road is continuing its deployment to South America, where it is expected to provide medical services as part of the ongoing “Harmonious Mission–2025”.
(SZB)
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