China-Cameroon Cooperation : Crowds Throng “Peace Ark” For Free Consultation, Treatment

Since its arrival in Cameroonian waters was first announced by Cameroon Tribune a few weeks back, thousands of Cameroonians had been getting ready by registering to receive free, quality Chinese medical care in Douala. Cameroon Tribune’s announcement was later followed by awareness campaigns by the authorities, indicating sites in the coastal city where those in the quest of specialised medical care were to register. 
And finally, the D-Day arrived. When on Monday, October 7, 2024, “Peace Ark,” a Chinese naval medical hospital vessel docked in Douala. The welcome ceremony at the entrance to Douala Autonomous Port Authority held in the presence of the Chinese Ambassador to Cameroon, His Excellency Wang Yingwu and the Governor of Littoral Region, Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboua.
Though arriving in heavy rain, this did not affect the excited mood the event created. The vessel is commanded by Vice-Admirals Ying Hongbo and He Yongming. They were both welcomed with military honours, to the cheers of large crowd, including Chinese living in Cameroon.
According to Governor Ivaha Diboua, Cameroonians in general and those in Douala in particular were happy to welcome the ship. As proof of the materialization of cooperation between Cameroon and China. Standing in for the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, the Governor maintained that the arrival of the vessel Cameroonian soil was proof of the beautiful relations between Cameroon’s President, Paul Biya and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.
Meanwhile, "Peace Ark" staff have since been attending for free to Cameroonian patients in various specialties. These are consultation, surgical operations, infectious and chronic diseases, paediatrics, dental and oral care, ophthalmology, orthopaedics and obstetrics-gynaecology. Patients being attended to had earlier registered in several health facilities in Douala, including the Regional Military Hospital No. 2, General Hospital, Laquintinie Hospital, Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital of Yassa.
“Peace Ark” is a type 920 hospital shi...