Global Port Medical Network planned

INTERCRUISES Shoreside & Port Services has announced the development of a Global Port Medical Network to help support the safe return to service of the cruise and maritime industry.

The initiative is a partnership with global maritime medical operations and healthcare solutions provider Vikand Solutions, according to Intercruises MD Olga Piqueras, who is pictured to the right of Vikand CEO Peter Hult.

“We are proud to have already played a role in the safe return to cruising, but we must continue to take actions that will support this process,” she said.

“By working with Vikand on this initiative we are using Intercruises’ local presence and relationships to better support our cruise line clients and the communities in which we work.”

The new network will help cruise businesses adhere to protocols set forth by official bodies, such as the EU Health Gateways Commission which requires cruise operators to have agreements in place with local health agencies and/or health providers in each port to ensure that medical care and ambulance transport can be provided for coronavirus cases.

Hult said the Intercruises partnership would provide a comprehensive system of destination medical services and providers that have existing port agency working relationships.

“With this tool, we can ensure there are medical facilities prepared to assist if needed, further strengthening our clients’ safe return to service, and giving them and their guests peace of mind,” he said.

“The initiative with Intercruises means we can truly say that we are ready to provide support in situations where there are potential shipboard COVID-19 cases,” Hult added.