Why South Africans are flocking to a Chinese hospital ship

In Cape Town, South Africa, a remarkable event is taking place as a Chinese hospital ship named the Peace Ark has docked in the harbor, providing free medical care to the local population. Since its arrival last week, thousands of South Africans have been queuing up to receive treatment from the military medics aboard the ship. Despite the cold winter weather, which includes snow on Table Mountain and strong winds, the enthusiasm of the residents has not waned. The current financial crisis in South Africa, one of the continent's most developed economies, has left public healthcare services severely underfunded. Many individuals are unable to afford private healthcare due to skyrocketing costs. This situation has become even more pressing following the government's recent introduction of a controversial health scheme aimed at providing universal healthcare, which is now facing potential legal challenges. The Peace Ark has already treated over 2,000 patients, offering a range of services from maternity check-ups to cataract surgeries and even traditional cupping therapy. The strong political partnership between China and South Africa is evident in this initiative, which serves as a demonstration of China's soft power in the region. Lucy Mnyani, a local resident, expressed her joy at seeing her unborn child for the first time during her visit to the ship. She shared, 'I had been going to the day hospitals in Gugulethu and Langa, and they never sent me for a CT scan. ' Another patient, Joseph Williams, highlighted the efficiency of the service on the Peace Ark compared to local clinics, stating, 'When you go to the local clinic, you sit for hours and hours before they help you, depending on your condition. Here the service was very quick, so I’m grateful that I came. I actually got the results for what I came for. ' The ship has the capacity to accommodate 700 patients each day and is part of a collaborative effort between the South African and Chinese armies. It is equipped with 300 beds, including 20 intensive care beds, operating theatres, and various clinical departments, along with a rescue helicopter. Initially, treatment was provided to pre-selected individuals, but the service was opened to the general public on Monday. Saadiq Kariem, the head of the Western Cape’s Health Department, explained that arrangements were made to provide care for homeless individuals who often lack access to healthcare. He also mentioned that elderly residents from care homes were brought in for medical attention, and wellness visits were offered to Western Cape health staff. Dr. Kariem, who also received a medical check-up, noted, 'From registering to completing my care took me an hour. ' He emphasized that this process would take significantly longer at public healthcare facilities due to the high volume of patients. So far, 57 surgeries have been performed on the ship, which is a small fraction of the 80,000 patients waiting for treatment in the province. Dr. Kariem indicated that the surgeries primarily involved orthopedic procedures, cataract surgeries, and a few tubal ligation surgeries for women who no longer wish to become pregnant. The overwhelming popularity of the Peace Ark serves as a clear indication that the public health system in South Africa is not meeting the needs of its citizens. Dr. Shuaib Manjra, chairperson of the Health Justice Initiative, remarked, 'It shows the public health system in the province and in the country is not serving the people as it should. ' He pointed out that patients often spend an entire day at clinics waiting to be seen, and there are significant backlogs in hospitals. The African National Congress (ANC) has expressed confidence that its National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme will greatly improve healthcare access, as it aims to provide free services at both public and private facilities, funded by a central pool of resources. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has assured that the NHI will still be implemented, despite the ANC losing its parliamentary majority and forming a coalition with parties that oppose certain aspects of the plan. Critics, however, fear that the NHI could lead to a mass exodus of healthcare professionals seeking better opportunities abroad. The scheme has faced strong opposition from private health companies, as it would prevent individuals from obtaining private health insurance for treatment. Currently, only 14% of the population has private medical care, while the remaining 86% rely on overburdened state clinics and hospitals. Recently, Business Unity South Africa and the South African Medical Association declined to sign the 'health compact,' an annual agreement with the president outlining how various sectors will address health challenges in the coming year. Both organizations, representing private businesses and 12,000 doctors, have expressed their dissatisfaction with the NHI in its current form, feeling it has been imposed upon them. Dr. Manjra acknowledged that while the NHI is a 'noble idea,' he understands the concerns surrounding it. He stated, 'Our history of corruption and incompetence will potentially destroy the entire health sector. There's an estimate that in some cases up to a third of the health budget is lost through corruption. ' He emphasized that addressing these issues within the public health sector should be the top priority. The Peace Ark, which has been well-received by the public, is set to leave Cape Town soon and will continue its journey to Angola and other countries. This mission is part of China's broader strategy to enhance its influence in Africa, as its trade with the continent has steadily increased over the past two decades. The ship has previously visited countries such as the Seychelles, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Mozambique, marking its 10th excursion since being commissioned in 2008.