My Nonprofit Reviews

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.

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