Health Care in Tibet /Yushu

Winter exits the stage late at 4000 m., and summer comes even later. This year we once more had the expert services of two volunteers -- Drs. Tonia  and Kireet  of Vancouver, Canada. They work side-by-side with resident docs Phuntsok  and Drogha. Dr. Kireet, a 4th year resident in cardio surgery, was particularly interested in the ultra-high salt intake among Khampa Tibetans. On a healthy side, salt helps keep fluids inside the body and this is particularly useful on the high plateau. This is because, without much atmosphere to speak of, there is little atmospheric pressure and when there is less atmospheric pressure, the liquid in one's body basically flies into space. This is why volunteers often experience chapped lips during an all-day rain fall.

The downside for many Tibetans is very high blood pressure and also the resulting chronic arteriosclerosis and heart disease. The problem when we treat this sympomatically, by giving BP meds, is that it doesn't go after the heart, so to speak, of the problem, which is salt intake that is 5 to 7 times that recommended.

Dr. Tonia, a 4th year Radiology Resident, was interested in cario-applications of our ultra-sound to Dr. Drogha. As usual Dr. Drogha is a great student and picked up moved year's lessons to a new high. 

In August, Dr. Ron arrived -- his 3rd volunteer rotation. Everyone was happy to see him back again. All three volunteer docs were received with typical low-definition Khampa warmth and smiles.

This year, we've had the services of manager/interpreter Lobsang. Lolo, as he is known, adds a kind of off-handed tri-lingual fluency and humor to the project. 

• Meds inventory. Although it's boring to say this in a GG report, the 10 days I was there were spent setting up a meds inventory system. We had to do this since we were the recipients of a $12000 donation from a Chinese pharma company. 
• Water. We are moving ahead in setting up a water system for the clinic. At this point we visualize that it will cost about $20,000 to deliver the water from upstream to a tank in the Clinic building. 
• Relations with the monastery. This year the Abbot of the Surmang Monastery gave his unqualified support for the clinic.  We welcome the increased marriage of our two worlds. 

Links:

• Interview with Surmang Director Lee Weingrad
• Interview, part 2.