The Chinese Navy’s hospital ship Peace Ark will be in Seychelles from tomorrow until next Monday and will provide medical treatment for local patients.

The goodwill visit – the first of its kind here – has been arranged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassy of the People’s Republic of China.

Many projects have been organised, the main one being medical treatment; doctors and other medical staff from the ship will go to Victoria hospital every day during their stay.

Medical staff of both countries will exchange their expertise, and various lectures on health will also be held. 
People who would like more information on the visit may contact their nearest health centre.
Other activities will include visits to schools, and sport activities with the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces.

The ship’s commanding officer is also due to meet Vice-President Danny Faure, Minister for Health Dr Erna Athanasius and for Home Affairs, Environment and Transport Joel Morgan, as well as the Chief of Defence Forces Brigadier Leopold Payet and the commanding officer of the Seychelles Coast Guard Lieutenant-Colonel Michael Rosette.

The Peace Ark set sail from China on August 31 and has already visited Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania.

The Chinese Navy wishes to make this first medical mission abroad one of peace and harmony, bringing humanitarian aid and strengthening cooperation among African and Asian countries.

The ship will leave Seychelles for Bangladesh on Monday November 1.