Cape Town residents are flocking to a Chinese hospital ship docked in the city’s harbor, despite the cold winter weather. The ship, known as the “Peace Ark,” is offering free medical care, including maternity check-ups and cataract surgeries, as part of a joint exercise between the South African and Chinese armies. The overwhelming response reflects the challenges facing South Africa’s public health system, where underfunding and long wait times have left many unable to access adequate care.
The arrival of the Peace Ark comes months after the South African government introduced a controversial health scheme aimed at providing universal healthcare. However, the new scheme faces legal challenges, and many South Africans remain reliant on overburdened public facilities. The Peace Ark has treated over 2,000 patients since its arrival, offering services that range from routine check-ups to complex surgeries.
The ship’s presence in Cape Town has been particularly beneficial for elderly residents and those living in care homes, who have been brought in for medical care. The popularity of the Peace Ark underscores the public health system’s inability to meet the needs of the population. Health Justice Initiative chairperson Dr. Shuaib Manjra noted that the overwhelming response highlights the deficiencies in South Africa’s healthcare system, calling for urgent reforms.
As the Peace Ark prepares to leave Cape Town for Angola, it leaves behind a stark reminder of the gaps in South Africa’s healthcare infrastructure. The ship’s visit is part of China’s broader strategy to expand its influence in Africa, using soft power to build stronger ties with African nations.