Joseph Isangura
The Chinese naval medical ship, Peace Ark, which docked in Dar es Salaam on July 16, 2024, has provided medical services to over 5,000 patients in just five days. This initiative, part of a week-long mission ending on July 23, 2024, underscores the critical healthcare needs in Tanzania. The ship’s presence marks its second visit to Tanzania, strengthening the 60-year diplomatic relationship between Tanzania and China.
During a visit to the Peace Ark, Tanzania’s Minister of Health, Ummy Mwalimu, praised the medical services provided by the Chinese experts in collaboration with the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF). The services offered include general medical examinations, surgical procedures, orthopedic treatments, maternal and child health care, traditional Chinese medicine, gastroenterology, and intensive care.
“The services provided by these Chinese specialists, in collaboration with our TPDF experts, cover a wide range of medical needs,” said Minister Mwalimu. “This includes general diagnostics, various surgical operations including robotic surgery, orthopedic care, maternal and women’s health, traditional Chinese therapies, and intensive care services.”
Despite significant efforts, the demand for medical services has been overwhelming. This surge has forced the team to extend their daily patient intake from 600 to 1,000. Many Tanzanians, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, have flocked to the ship, seeing it as a last resort for medical treatment they could not otherwise afford due to high healthcare costs.
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The Peace Ark’s mission also highlights the urgent need for a sustainable healthcare system in Tanzania. The country’s Universal Health Insurance Act of 2023 aims to provide broader access to healthcare, yet its implementation has been slow. Currently, only 15.3% of the population has health insurance coverage, leaving the majority to rely on out-of-pocket payments, often leading to catastrophic health expenditures.
This situation underscores the necessity for timely and effective implementation of universal healthcare to ensure that all Tanzanians have access to affordable and quality health services. The visit of the Peace Ark serves as a temporary relief but also a stark reminder of the ongoing healthcare challenges the nation faces.
The medical ship, which is 178 meters long with a total area of 4,000 square meters, boasts eight operation rooms, seven healthcare offices, and 300 beds. It is staffed by 115 healthcare workers, mostly from the Naval Medical University, with 60 percent holding senior titles. The ship’s mission includes not only treating patients but also providing humanitarian assistance and conducting medical training to promote professional exchanges between China and Tanzania.
Tanzania Navy Commander Richard Mutayoba Makanzo expressed his gratitude to China for sending the Peace Ark to Tanzania again. “China has helped Tanzania in different sectors. One of the notable areas is the construction of the Tazara railway, which connects Tanzania and Zambia,” said Makanzo.
The current tour has already taken the Peace Ark to several African countries, including Djibouti, Gabon, Sierra Leone, the Republic of the Congo, Angola, and Mozambique. The ship’s mission in Tanzania aims to consolidate and promote friendly relations while addressing immediate healthcare needs.
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