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Review from CharityNavigator MERCY SHIPS OPERATIONS
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December 28, 2011
2 people found this review helpful
I would like to mention that Charity Navigator is incorrect, the Audited Report is available: http://mercyships.3cdn.net/29c5eb610b985db705_l2m6bhzfe.pdf and the Form 990 is available: http://mercyships.3cdn.net/9c9655ba6df4283701_2im6itu0v.pdf ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mercy Ships is one of the most unique organizations I have come across. While many NGOs supplement and supersede health care infrastructure, Mercy Ships builds on existing capacity, addresses back logs of surgical needs, and in general adds a booster shot to the health care system while focusing on the most vulnerable surgical patients. After its memorandum of understanding is up with the host government it is able to sail away to another welcoming country. This booster shot effect does not threaten the local health care market but strengthens the abilities of doctors, nurses and careworkers whilst leaving behind equipment. The patients who receive the services could not access the local health care system (if there is one) for the most part because of systematic poverty or lack of specialized services. Amazingly Mercy Ships does this with a nearly 100% volunteer crew on board its ship and almost all medical supplies donated. Running the world largest hospital ship requires fuel, but its undoubtedly less expensive than a land based hospital. The innovation of a hospital ship with first class care also gives short term volunteers a much easier transition and shorter adjustment time to be able to serve, something land based hospitals struggle with. Mercy Ships is of course limited to coastal countries and at the moment limited to one 500 crew ship, the Africa Mercy, but with the expansion of its fleet could really be the bridge needed between first class surgical care and countries lacking specialized practices that are locally accessible.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Seeing lives changed among patients, families, staff and donors.
More feedback...
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
What is unique about this organization?
The largest non-governmental hospital ship in the world. Invited by governments who give a great deal in opportunity costs (waiving port fees, allowing for the ship to be docked for several months, etc.) in order for this organization to serve the people. Most of the nearly 500 crew on board are volunteers who financially contribute to their costs on board.
April 18, 2011
I have volunteered as a relief Chief Officer and Captain with Mercy Ships for the past ten years. I would not work for a charity that allowed others to live a life of luxury with my free labor. I have always been impressed with the skill and dedication of the management and the volunteers. I feel comfortable that my donations are well used. The cost of maintaining and operating a ship in compliance with international regulations is very high, but Mercy Ships has done an outstanding job of keeping the ship safe without squandering its resources.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
In my 45 years of commerical ship operation, I have never had a reward like seeing the difference Mercy Ships has made in the lives of the people they serve. I have danced with those who were blind a month earlier, and huged patients who have undergone life transforming surgery. I have donated my blood and visited with the recipients. The medical staff, all volunteers, are amazing.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Ask regulatory bodies and auditors for either a special dispensation from some of the expenses or for pro-bono inspections and audits. I would try to increase public awareness of the work by increased exposure to the media. they used to have their ships travel to Europe and North America for fundraising and volunteer recruitment, but now they stay in Africa all year.
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