Medical teams sent to quake-hit areas in Xizang

The National Health Commission has sent health officials and experts to guide emergency medical services in areas affected by a magnitude-7.0 earthquake that struck Drachen county in the Xizang autonomous region on Thursday night.

In a statement released on Friday evening, the commission said it is closely monitoring the disaster and casualties and making every effort to guide and support Xizang in emergency medical rescue, treatment of the injured, psychological counseling, and medical and health services for people in the affected areas.

The commission has dispatched officials and national-level experts to provide on-site guidance.

Six health emergency teams have been deployed jointly with Xizang authorities, along with emergency equipment, medicines and specialized vehicles, to carry out rescue and medical work at the scene.

Meanwhile, national-level experts have been arranged to provide remote consultations online. National emergency medical rescue teams in neighboring provinces, along with additional national-level experts, are on standby to provide further support as needed.

The commission has also activated its emergency blood supply mechanism.

Medical treatment and public health work in the disaster area are proceeding in an orderly manner, the commission said, adding that hospitals have opened green channels to facilitate treatment for the injured.