The arrival of Mercy Ships was eagerly awaited by the Malagasy population. (Photo Toamasina Urban Commune)
One of the two Mercy-Ships hospital ships disembarked in Toamasina yesterday. This is the Africa-Mercy which is carrying out its first field service after a complete overhaul of the ship. This largest hospital ship in the world will be in Toamasina for two years to perform free surgical operations. According to the press release from the Urban Commune of Toamasina, this humanitarian association is committed to covering the travel costs of patients throughout Madagascar to reach Toamasina. Their return will also be covered by Mercy Ships. Registration details will be communicated later, according to the Municipality. The medical team on the ship plans to perform more than 1,172 to 1,563 surgical procedures during the first year of its port call in Madagascar. Training will also be provided to health professionals. Cataract, hernia, removal of maxillofacial tumors, repair of cleft lip and palate, orthopedic surgery, dental care, club foot… are examples of the free surgical operations that this largest ship in the world world offers to patients.
