Chen Shunchi, a doctor from the Beijing Anding Hospital at Capital Medical University who now works as an aid-Xizang doctor at the People's Hospital of Lhasa, Xizang autonomous region, diagnoses monk patients in Lhasa. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In August 2015, Beijing initiated its support for the construction of the People's Hospital of Lhasa in the Xizang autonomous region. Since then, 171 medical experts have been selected to aid the hospital.

These experts, hailing from 22 capital hospitals and organized into 10 groups, supported the hospital across various areas such as management and clinical departments.

Zhang Ning, the deputy Party secretary and head of the People's Hospital of Lhasa, said that the shift to a "group-style" support approach in 2015 marked a significant departure from past individual efforts.

"This method provides stronger support and broader disciplinary coverage, improving the level of medical technology and enhancing the overall management level of the hospital," said Zhang, who leads the latest medical aid team from Beijing.

Thanks to the support, the hospital was upgraded into a Grade A Tertiary Hospital at the prefectural level in 2017.

Li Lin, an aid-Xizang doctor sent by the Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Capital Medical University, checks a patient in a ward at the People's Hospital of Lhasa. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]

The impact of this group-style medical aid was evident in the hospital's overall development.

Zhang noted that the hospital's capacity grew substantially from 240 beds in 2015 to 550 beds in 2024. The number of clinical departments expanded from 13 to 26, and wards increased from eight to 20 during this period.

In 2023, the hospital's outpatient visits surpassed 318,500, marking a 163 percent increase from 2015. Similarly, inpatient visits exceeded 16,600, representing a 106 percent increase from 2015, he added.

Li Lin (middle), an aid-Xizang doctor sent by the Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Capital Medical University, checks a patient in a ward at the People's Hospital of Lhasa. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]

Chen Shunchi, a doctor from the Beijing Anding Hospital at Capital Medical University, is a member of the tenth group of medical teams and serves as the director of medical assistance in the medical affairs department.

Chen shared a notable achievement by team member He Zhen, a deputy chief physician from the Department of Gastroenterology at Beijing Friendship Hospital, who successfully performed the first endoscopic retrograde appendicitis treatment under direct vision for a patient with chronic appendicitis and appendix stones by the fourth day of his arrival in Lhasa. This marked the first application of this advanced technology in Xizang.

Li Lin (right), an aid-Xizang doctor sent by the Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Capital Medical University, instructs a nurse at the People's Hospital of Lhasa. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]

"My work in this hospital mainly involves medical administrative management, medical quality management and application management of clinical medical technology throughout the hospital," said Chen, adding his work also includes organizing medical event support, free health clinics, psychiatric clinical diagnosis, and the treatment and popularization of mental health.

He added that Xizang is a high-altitude region where it is more challenging to live and work. Being able to provide health security for so many people in Xizang is a testament to their commitment to the doctor's oath and the principle of "people first, life first".

A view of the People's Hospital of Lhasa, Xizang autonomous region. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]