Volunteer doctors bring new hope to isolated communities

Fulfillment, regrets

Wang Tao, who saw nearly 400 patients during a day-and-a-half in Yushu's Kyichu township, found the experience to be fulfilling, but not without some regrets.

He was shocked when the family members of a patient with thyroid cysts burst in to call off a surgical intervention because a local Living Buddha, a venerable monk, had told the family that it was not the right time for the treatment.

Wang was also deeply touched when Tashi Drime, a local Tibetan doctor he took under his wing as an apprentice during his short stay in Yushu, knocked on his door the evening before his departure and gave him a small keepsake as a mark of gratitude.

"Tashi Drime has solid knowledge of ultrasound scanning and is able to complete basic examinations," Wang said. "However, he needs to improve his diagnostic skills to provide accurate results for common and complicated diseases, so we will certainly keep in touch to work toward that goal."

Ma Haibo, a rural doctor in Drongshok, called for more support to improve health awareness in such areas.

"We distribute health promotion brochures in different villages every year, but it is very hard to persuade people to adopt healthier habits, and the results of our efforts have been limited so far," he said.

For instance, Ma said that in some families, only the seniors were left to live alone deep in mountains. They were unable to remember to take medication regularly to contain high blood pressure and they had poor compliance with doctors' orders.

"As grassroots medical workers, we need stronger support and guidance on how to improve health awareness among local residents," he said.

Contact the writer at wangxiaoyu@chinadaily.com.cn