World’s Largest Civilian Hospital Ship Ghana’s Port Of Tema For A 10-Month Stay

Global Mercy, the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, operated by global health charity Mercy Ships, reached Ghana’s Port of Tema earlier this week for a 10-month stay to offer free medical services to the people.

The charity has partnered with the government of Ghana to provide free surgeries and medication to the residents.

Mercy Ships said that though Ghana has one of the best healthcare systems in West Africa, millions of people face difficulties getting safe and affordable surgeries due to uneven distribution of surgeons and also a shortage of trained and well-qualified doctors.

District hospitals face capacity challenges, and many people bear painful conditions which are easily treatable since surgery remains beyond their reach.

Global Mercy’s arrival marks the charity’s fifth field service in Ghana, where it will offer free surgery with education, mentoring and workforce development.

People from across the country have been invited to apply for free surgical care, including cleft lip and palate repair, tumour removal, and treatment of cataract, plastic surgery, obstetric fistula repair, general surgery and paediatric orthopaedic surgery.

Global Mercy is 174 m long, has a gross tonnage of 37,000 and can accommodate 199 patients. It was delivered in 2021 and has separate sections for 102 acute care patients, 7 ICU beds and 90 beds for self-care patients.

The ship works as a fully equipped hospital and undertakes pre-operative and post-operative work, including X-ray and CT scan rooms, a screening or admissions centre, a rehab centre, outpatient care centres and many other specialised facilities.

Global Mercy has onboard cranes to take on containers filled with medical supplies, food, vehicles and other equipment needed by the medical staff.