China's floating hospital begins 200-day voyage across Africa and South Asia

China's naval hospital ship Auspicious Ark has set sail from Qingdao on its first overseas humanitarian mission, beginning a marathon medical deployment across Africa and South Asia. China's naval hospital ship Auspicious Ark has set sail from Qingdao on its first overseas humanitarian mission, beginning a marathon medical deployment across Africa and South Asia. China's naval hospital ship Auspicious Ark has set sail from Qingdao. Video by VioryFootage captured last week shows the huge white hospital ship docked at Qingdao port before heading out to sea.The 200-day voyage, named Mission Harmony-2026, will take the vessel to several countries, where its medical teams will offer free treatment and meet local communities."The hospital ship Auspicious Ark carries the mission of promoting peace. On its first overseas mission, it will visit many countries and make extended port calls," said crew member Gao Guozheng.Auspicious Ark is packed with medical facilities, including 18 clinical departments, five diagnostic support departments and eight operating theaters. Teams on board can carry out examinations, treatment and a range of surgical procedures.The crew will deliver medical support and take part in community and cultural events throughout the voyage.Mission Harmony-2026 is the programme's 12th deployment since it began in 2010.Auspicious Ark follows China's previous naval hospital ship, Peace Ark, which has carried out overseas humanitarian missions since entering service in 2008.