SAMHS hopes arrival of Chinese hospital ship reduces backlogs at WC hospitals
The provincial Department of Health is facing a backlog of around 80,000 different types of surgeries.
The South African Military Health Service and the South African Navy welcomed the Chinese hospital ship, Peace Ark, at the Cape Town port. Picture: Facebook/SANDF
CAPE TOWN - The South African Military Health Service (SAMHS) hope the arrival of the Chinese hospital ship in Cape Town will help reduce the backlog at Western Cape hospitals.
The provincial Department of Health is facing a backlog of around 80,000 different types of surgeries.
ALSO READ: Scores of Capetonians take up opportunity for free medical care by Chinese hospital ship
The hospital ship, which is equipped with advanced medical facilities, docked in Cape Town last week.
It heads to Angola on Thursday.
The SAMHS's Dr Lesiba Ledwaba said so far, more than 1,000 people had come on board seeking free medical assistance.
"We've been to Mitchells Plain, we went to Paarl Hospital, we went to Somerset Hospital as well. In Paarl, we performed cataract surgeries, in Tygerberg we did about 17 CT scans, and in Somerset we did 10 CT scans."
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— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) August 26, 2024
The South African Military Health Service says more than 1000 people have taken up the opportunity for free medical care being offered on board a Chinese hospital ship docked at the V&A Warerfront. The ship is equipped with advanced medical facilities @NtuthuzeloNene pic.twitter.com/NIlQvrajRx
[WATCH]
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) August 26, 2024
At the same time, the mission has been hailed as a game changer. Caitlin April, who’s almost 2 months pregnant, shared her experience onboard the hospital ship @NtuthuzeloNene pic.twitter.com/IchNtcA99t