Vikand to deliver medical services onboard Pacific World

The agreement with MHG means the healthcare specialist will provide medical services to Japan Grace, operator of Peace Boat ethical cruises.

Vikand set up and organised Pacific World’s medical centre, and is involved in reviewing crew pre-employment medical examinations, calibrating biomedical equipment, conducting a medical audit, checking and supplying formulary for crew and vetting onboard medical staff.

Japan Grace

Tokyo-based travel agent Japan Grace has operated Peace Boat’s global and regional cruises since 1995. The sailings are designed for meaningful experiences at each port of call, which can mean homestays with local families, cultural exchange programmes or programmes built around local social, environmental and historic concerns.

‘Choosing the right medical partner was important for the ongoing success of Peace Boat,’ said Yoko Izutsu, MD of Japan Grace. ‘Vikand has extremely knowledgeable professional teams who all have seafaring experience, so they understand the unique issues around medical services at sea.

‘We are confident that the policies and procedures they have implemented will ensure smooth operation of our onboard medical facility.’

Izutsu added, ‘Vikand’s global experience was critical in our decision to partner with them, as they understand the diverse range of health issues that can affect different people in destinations worldwide.’

Expands Vikand’s presence in Asia

Vikand CEO Peter Hult said he was ‘pleased’ to further expand Vikand’s presence in the Asian market by partnering with Japan Grace and said working with MHG on the project has been a ‘great experience.’ He added, ‘We support Peace Boat’s ethical approach to cruising, which gives passengers a more meaningful understanding of the countries they visit.’  

Concluded Hult, ‘Pacific World is the largest ship in Peace Boat’s 40-year history, and we are honoured to provide her crew with ongoing medical advice and support.’