DT News - Pakistan - Chinese Naval Hospital Ship arrives in Karachi

Dental Tribune Pakistan

Mon. 19 August 2013

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Karachi: During its one-week stay in Karachi, the ship's medical staff will give on-the-spot medical services to local residents at a military hospital. Meanwhile, the Chinese medics and their Pakistani counterparts will jointly conduct surgeries on patients

The Chinese naval hospital ship "Peace Ark" is seen in this photo, docking in Pakistan's port city of Karachi, as part of an overseas voyage to provide medical services to local residents.

A Chinese naval hospital ship has arrived in Karachi as part of an overseas voyage to provide medical services to local residents. The "Peace Ark" ship is currently on a four-month overseas mission known as "Mission Harmony 2013". The vessel has over 400 people onboard and about 100 of them are medical staff.

It was welcomed by Pakistan's military officials, Chinese diplomats and a group of local students in Karachi. One of the participants at the simple ceremony - an officer of the Pakistan Navy said; "The citizens of Karachi and Pakistanis in general, are very happy to see this goodwill visit by the friendly Hospital ship, as we sincerely hope for stronger national relations and friendship with China. We all are delighted to welcome this well-equipped health-care vessel to Pakistan. It has been a pleasure meeting our compassionate Chinese friends, including qualified Doctors and well trained staff. All of us are thrilled at this opportunity to serve and support this humanitarian effort for the poor patients, as we have thoroughly enjoyed this valuable social event."

During its one-week stay in Karachi, the ship's medical staff will give on-the-spot medical services to local residents at a military hospital. Meanwhile, the Chinese medics and their Pakistani counterparts will jointly conduct surgeries on patients, as a way of promoting technical assistance in the field of military medicine. Pakistan and China have always enjoyed great relations in the past decades. Analysts say the visit of the "Peace Ark" is another sign of a special bond between the two neighbors.

The "Peace Ark" first set off from eastern China's Zhoushan Islands in early June, embarking on its third overseas trip to 8 Asian countries and the Gulf of Aden. The ship has just finished its operation in the Gulf of Aden, where it provided medical services to foreign escort fleets.