(CGTN)Medical support program making a difference in Tibet

"Since I moved here in 2018, I've treated over 1,000 osteoarthritis patients," said Jiang Li, a rehabilitation specialist from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province.

Osteoarthritis, widespread in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, is associated with performing too many strenuous physical activities. But digging herbs and kowtowing are common in this region's local lifestyle.

As a member of the fourth batch of medical teams dispatched to assist local Tibetans, Jiang has brought in some cutting-edge medical equipment like Transabdominal ultrasound (TRUS), that uses ultrasonic image technology for diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases.

Since 1995, Chinese government has been dispatching doctors to the region to improve local healthcare system. Doctors like Jiang are not only here to perform surgeries but are also responsible for training local medical staff.

"I wonder whether my apprentices can keep up with my pace of learning. With only one year to go, I will remain dedicated to helping them improve their technical support," said Jiang.