Center gives villagers respite from high-altitude stress

In the first three days of the new year, 32 villagers from rural areas of Nakarze county in Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region moved into a new healthcare center, marking the launch of Tibet's first healthcare center in an extreme high-altitude area.

From six rural villages in Puma Changthang township, they are the first batch of villagers to benefit from the project. Their average age is 45, with the eldest 74 years old, and the youngest 2.

At an average altitude of 5,300 meters above sea level, Puma Changthang is known as the "world's highest township".

With an annual average temperature of -7 C and oxygen levels less than 40 percent of those at sea level, residents experience a winter as long as nine months every year.

Due to the harsh living environment, many residents suffer from heart disease, rheumatism and other high plateau diseases, and the average life expectancy in the town is only half that of areas on the plains.

Providing a healthcare center for rural residents in extreme high-altitude areas is part of the local government's efforts to ensure people can live comfortably in such areas, said Luo Wenjin, head of the Nakarze county government.

The healthcare center is in the county's Khare township, which sits at an average altitude of 3,600 meters and has a much better climate and living environment.

Construction of the 18-room center began in 2019. It has a kitchen, a multifunction room, a washing area, a leisure zone and dormitories for at least 36 people. Three staff members are responsible for accommodation, dining and sanitation.

Ogyen Dorje, from Tsogo village, is a beneficiary of the project. He has diseases such as high blood pressure due to living above an altitude of 5,300 meters. In the past, he had to get medical checkups and treatments far away－in Lhasa, the region's capital, or Lhokha.

"When there was no healthcare center, I had to spend at least 1,000 yuan ($155) a time on accommodation when I received medical treatment in other places," the 61-year-old said. "Now I don't need to worry. The center has a wide range of facilities that are accessible and affordable."

Those checking in to the center are given free physical examinations and each has a personal health record. They can stay for around a month for further treatment, with the only expense 10 yuan a day for dinners.

Pema Chodron, another villager, said she was happy she could stay at the center.

"I really appreciate the good policy of the government," she said. "If I have another chance to apply again in the future, I will try again for sure.

"Living here is comfortable and I have a good sleep as the altitude is lower. Plus, I also like the food here."