The U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort will arrive to Puntarenas, Costa Rica this Sunday, July 21 to offer medical attention between Tuesday, July 3 and Saturday, July 27.

This hospital ship is on a five-month deployment to Central and South America as well as the Caribbean in support of humanitarian and partner-building efforts as part of the U.S. Southern Command´s Enduring Promise Initiative.

The objective of the visit is to offer health care on the ship and at land-based medical sites to relieve pressure on national medical systems.

The medical services offered include: medical evaluation and treatment, preventive care, dental examination and treatment, eye health testing, dermatology services, pediatrics, women health, public health, physical therapy, meds, among others. The services are coordinated with the Costa Rican Social Security Service (C.C.S.S).

Services will be available at the El Coloso gymnasium in Barranca, Puntarenas and the Asociación de Pensionados de Puntarenas in Chacarita from 8 a.m. through 4 p.m.

In addition to human medical care, the USNS Comfort will join efforts with the National Animal Health Service (SENASA) to offer free veterinary care for dogs and cats, this option will be available at Plaza del Pacífico.

This ship has a capacity of up to 1000 beds and is equipped with x-ray, cat scan, dental, optometry, angiography and oxygen-producing capability. It carries over 950 staff members including navy medical personnel, support staff and civil service marines.