Stories from the Road: Pope Francis Hospital Boat in the Providence of God

Lucas Diniz Costa, MD, on behalf of the Humanitarian Efforts Committee

The amazing healthcare team of the Pope Francis Hospital Ship stands in front of the main ship.The Pope Francis Hospital Ship was officially opened on August 17, 2019, in Belém of Pará, Brazil. The ship’s base of operations is in Óbidos, Pará, Brazil, and it serves over 1,000 riverside communities in the Amazon region. Under the care of the Fraternity St. Francis of Assisi in the Providence of God, the “floating hospital” is staffed by 20 permanent crew members (comprising boat and nursing staff) and 10 rotating volunteers, including medical doctors and dentists, on expeditions lasting between seven and 10 days.

One of the smaller “ambulancha” boats used in healthcare emergencies in riverside communities.The floating hospital is equipped with modern facilities, including medical and dental offices, a surgical center, a complete ophthalmology room, a laboratory, a medication room, a vaccination room, and inpatient beds. Diagnostic equipment includes digital X-rays, mammography, echocardiogram, ultrasound, and electrocardiogram. In addition to providing basic healthcare, the teams focus on cancer prevention and early diagnosis through exams and screenings. According to its engineers, no other vessel in Brazil is equipped to provide this type of critical healthcare service.

Location and Need

The people residing along the banks of the Amazon River face significant challenges in accessing medical care. Consequently, the solution was to bring the hospital to them. To support its operations, the hospital boat is accompanied by two ambulanchas (ambulance boats). One conducts triage in the communities to optimize service delivery, while the other is equipped with emergency and urgent care equipment to handle more serious incidents.

Personal Reflections on Volunteering

Reflecting on my time as a volunteer doctor on the floating hospital, I can confidently say it was the most rewarding experience of my life. I felt incredibly useful, helping numerous patients in a short period. The joy and satisfaction I experienced while working there were unparalleled. The hospitality and gratitude from the local people were overwhelming, and I received countless sincere smiles and thanks.

The natural beauty of the Amazon, with its vast greenery, abundant water, and diverse wildlife, was breathtaking. This environment, far removed from the digital world many are accustomed to, is home to the largest biome in Brazil and the world's largest river.

The local people are kind, generous, and grateful. They welcomed us into their homes, shared their traditions, and offered gifts of fish and smiles. Good relationships have the power to transform and heal, and I was reminded of the importance of human connection.

Patients from riverside communities stand in line before sunrise to receive free treatment from the ship’s team.

A Memorable Patient

A happy patient after his tongue-tie surgery on the floating hospital ship.One memorable patient was an 11-year-old boy with tongue-tie that had never been treated. Despite his condition, the patient was cheerful and cooperative during his surgery. Post-surgery, he needed speech therapy, which posed a challenge in the remote Amazon. Fortunately, with the help of a dedicated speech therapist, we were able to provide remote guidance via satellite internet connection for his rehabilitation. This experience taught me that significant achievements are possible when everyone contributes a little. It reinforced my belief in the power of community and the importance of helping others. This patient’s story is a testament to the impact of our work and the potential for positive change.

Creating Long-Lasting Bonds

Local residents brought fresh fish as a gift to the hospital ship’s team.Local community workers from indigenous backgrounds are also willing to help and learn from medical doctors, dentists, and nurses and bring their knowledge back to their homes in the nearby riverside community. Such collaboration reflects the profound and long-term impact of volunteering and the deep connections formed through meaningful work.

Father Ezequiel, the religious leader on the boat, said of our joint efforts, "The best form of prayer is when one is in real service to another human being. How [well you all] have prayed during these days.”

The participants enjoy a relaxing bathe in the river. The larger boat is one of the “ambulanchas,” and the smaller is used for fishing.