Despite harsh winter weather, including snow on Table Mountain and strong winds, Cape Town residents are eagerly lining up for free medical treatment provided by a Chinese naval hospital ship currently docked in the city. With the South African economy facing a financial crisis that has left public health services severely underfunded, many locals are unable to afford private healthcare due to skyrocketing costs.
The arrival of the Peace Ark comes just months after the South African government enacted a controversial health scheme aimed at achieving universal healthcare, which is now facing potential legal challenges.
Since its arrival last week, over 2,000 South Africans have received treatment on board, including maternity check-ups, cataract surgeries, and traditional cupping therapy.
The Peace Ark symbolizes China’s expanding influence in South Africa through its “soft power” initiatives. Lucy Mnyani, a local resident, shared her joy after seeing her unborn child’s images for the first time, expressing frustration about her previous experiences at local clinics.
Joseph Williams, another attendee, appreciated the efficiency of the service after long waits at local clinics, stating, “Here the service was very quick so I’m grateful that I came. I actually got the results for what I came for.”
Officials report the ship can accommodate 700 patients daily as part of a collaborative healthcare initiative between the South African and Chinese armies, featuring 300 beds, including intensive care units, operating theaters, and a rescue helicopter.
The first two days of treatment were reserved for pre-selected patients before services opened to the general public on Monday. The initiative also caters to the homeless population in Cape Town, providing critical healthcare access to those who typically lack resources.
Dr. Saadiq Kariem, head of Western Cape’s Health Department, highlighted that care provision was expedited, revealing personal experience: “From registering to completing my care took me an hour,” a stark contrast to longer wait times at public facilities.
So far, 57 surgeries have been performed, a small fraction of the 80,000 patients awaiting treatment in the province, which is known for having one of South Africa’s most efficient health systems.
Dr. Kariem noted that most procedures performed are orthopedic, cataract surgeries, and tubal ligation for women seeking to prevent future pregnancies.
Dr. Shuaib Manjra from the Health Justice Initiative commented on the Peace Ark’s popularity, indicating it reflects dissatisfaction with the current public health system, plagued by backlogs and diminished budgets. “Often you find people spending an entire day at a clinic waiting to be seen,” he mentioned.
The African National Congress (ANC) asserts that its National Health Insurance (NHI) plan will significantly improve healthcare access, providing free services across both public and private sectors. However, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi remains committed to the plan despite the party’s diminished parliamentary power and challenges from coalition partners.
Critics are voicing concerns over potential ramifications, including a possible exodus of healthcare professionals seeking opportunities abroad, as the NHI restricts private health insurance options.
Currently, approximately 14% of South Africans have access to private healthcare services, while the majority depend on overtaxed public health facilities.
Recently, representations from the private health sector, including Business Unity South Africa and the South African Medical Association, have withdrawn from discussions regarding health challenges, citing deficiencies in the NHI framework.
Dr. Manjra acknowledged the noble intentions of the NHI but highlighted concerns about corruption and mismanagement within the healthcare sector that could derail progress.
Siphiwe Dlamini, spokesperson for the South African army, reported an overwhelmingly positive response to the Peace Ark, confirming satisfaction with the care provided. The floating hospital is scheduled to leave Cape Town for Angola and will continue its mission across various countries, having previously visited nations like Seychelles and Madagascar.
The mission reflects China’s commitment to enhancing its presence on the African continent, as trade relations and infrastructural investments from Beijing have expanded dramatically over two decades.
