Chinese naval hospital ship "Silk Road Ark" returned to a naval port in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province on Wednesday after wrapping up a medical mission on the Xisha and Nansha islands, as well as the islands and reefs off the south China coast.
Departing from Zhanjiang City in south China's Guangdong Province on July 10, the hospital ship sailed more than 3,600 nautical miles over the past 29 days, providing diagnosis and treatment for over 3,500 military personnel and residents on the islands and reefs.
"It is very inconvenient for us to get on and off the island, and it is very difficult for us to see a doctor. This medical service at the sea border has provided us with complete medical care. The medical staff offered good services and meticulous examination, which makes me feel deeply the care and warmth of our country for our officers and soldiers stationed on the islands. I will definitely carry this warmth with me, hold on to my post and defend the sea borders of our country," said Li Xiaolong, a soldier stationed on Xisha Islands.
The medical center of the hospital ship made sound patrol plan, preparing commonly used medicines, completing the annual medical checkups for the officers and soldiers, and educating the residents on common and frequently-occurring diseases.
"Through this medical service, I've seen the hardship of the officers and soldiers stationed on the islands and reefs, witnessed their difficulties in seeking medical treatment, and also felt their ardent expectation for our medical services. This has strengthened our determination to help defend their health," said Huang Zhenjun, a doctor with the hospital ship.
Meanwhile, the art team of the hospital ship traveled to each island and reef and staged wonderful shows for the military officers and soldiers.
It is the independently-developed ship's first medical mission since going into service.
With 14 clinical departments, such as orthopedics, general surgery, dermatology and gastroenterology, the ship has the capacity for eight surgeries to be performed and over 300 patients to receive treatment onboard at the same time.
Chinese naval hospital ship completes medical mission on South China Sea islands, reefs
Displaced Palestinians in Egypt marked Eid al-Fitr, a celebration traditionally filled with family gatherings, with profound sorrow over their separation from loved ones in the Gaza Strip.
Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of the Muslim holy month of fasting (Ramadan) and the beginning of the new month in the lunar calendar. It is typically a time for joyous family reunions across the Muslim world.
However, thousands of displaced Palestinians in Egypt spent Eid al-Fitr without the embrace of family this year.
Naema Alsoury, one of the many Palestinians who fled the war in Gaza seeking medical treatment in Egypt, reflected on the painful reality of her situation.
Her young son, who has suffered from eye cancer since he was four months old, requires constant care. As a mother of five, Naema Alsoury managed to bring four of her children to Egypt, while her eldest son and husband remained behind in Gaza.
"Eid al-Fitr in Egypt is beautiful but only for those with a clear mind. I woke up happy that the kids are excited to celebrate Eid. But as I saw cars with families going for the prayer-- husbands and wives together and families, I thought I can't hug my son or husband. I can't be truly happy during Eid. This is my third Eid here without my mother, my sister and my brothers. What Eid al-Fitr is that? I live in fear, because no one knows the fate of those in Gaza -- who will live and who will die," said Naema Alsoury.
Recently, one of Naema Alsoury's uncles, along with some other family members, managed to reach Egypt for medical treatment. Her nephew spoke of the stark differences in living conditions between Egypt and Gaza.
"My nephew pointed out to me the differences between Egypt and Gaza. I may have not paid attention to that. I was talking to them via video call. He told his mother, they have electricity. Their TV is on. They can charge their mobile phone anytime. We can go to the toilet any time and there is always water there. We don't have that in Gaza now," said Naema Alsoury.
Egyptians across many cities have used the annual Eid al-Fitr Prayer gathering to support Palestinians in the besieged enclave.
"Eid this year and the year before has been different because we are very sad about what's happening to our Palestinian Brothers, that they are getting forced to leave their land. They are facing injustice. As Egyptians we support our President's calls to reject displacement, they are our Arab brothers. We support them," said Islam El Hawary, an Egyptian citizen.
Displaced Palestinians in Egypt mark Eid al-Fitr amid heartache, separation from family
