Tibet makes progress on congenital heart disease

The Tibet autonomous region has made progress in the screening and treatment of children with congenital heart disease, local media in the region reported.

So far, 188 children with the condition up to age 18 from all over the region have been treated — including with surgery — in hospitals both within and outside the region.

Because of its climate, geographical location, low oxygen and other factors, Tibet has one of the highest rates of congenital heart disease in China.

The regional health commission has been working with several key hospitals to work out a scientific treatment plans and budgets for the patients. Health institutes at all levels have worked closely with Tibet-aid provinces, cities, State-owned enterprises and social charities to raise funds for treatment.

The city of Nagchu, Tibet, with an average of altitude of 4,500 meters above sea level, has a particularly high rate of congenital heart disease and has arranged for the treatment of 102 children. It has also as allocated experts to diagnose 483 children believed to have congenital heart disease.