Comparing the medical preparation on cruise ships between China and USA / 中国职业医学

ABSTRACT

Cruise tourism is a modern high-end tourism product. Under the background of the public health emergency response brought about by the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019, there are some dilemma in cruise tourism, such as the insufficient of doctors and medical services on cruise ships. It is known that the international treaties or rules on the provision of medical equipment formulated by relevant international organizations have not yet been able to meet the needs of cruise passengers in terms of medical treatment. Based on this, this article compares and analyzes the differences between China and the United States in the medical services provided on cruise ships, the judicial practice of medical disputes arising from cruise ships, and the legislation related to the provision of operating doctors on board. According to the characteristics of disease transmission on cruise ships, it is suggested that by reference to the relevant international treaties and the effective practices of the United States, various measures should be taken to solve the problems of insufficient doctors and insufficient medical services provided on cruise ships in China, such as improving domestic relevant legislation, advocating cruise passengers to increase their awareness of purchasing insurance related to cruise travel, clarifying the obligation of doctors on board, the qualifications of the doctors and related responsibilities. The cruise industry association should play an active role in this issue.