Aid-Xinjiang Doctors: Making a difference in poverty-stricken areas

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Over the years, China has sent medical teams to help its Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region establish a better healthcare system. CGTN's Sun Tianyuan interviewed one of the Aid-Xinjiang doctors at the First Hospital of Kashgar Prefecture.

Dr. Cai Ling is from Guangzhou in South China. She is one of about 30 doctors who joined the medical aid program in Kashgar this year. Traveling 4,000 kilometers from her home to the edge of the vast Taklamakan desert, Cai wants to make a difference.

DR. CAI LING, DIRECTOR DEPT. OF MEDICAL ONCOLOGY FIRST HOSPITAL OF KASHGAR PREFECTURE "Health care is of major importance to people's basic livelihoods. The program will surely improve medical practices in the region. We have a team of experienced experts in medical oncology, gynecology, surgery and pediatrics. So basically all fields are covered."

For the last three years, China's central government has given top priority to improving Xinjiang's caliber of healthcare. Currently, over 200 doctors from the nation's best hospitals are there to help. For Dr. Cai, coming to southern Xinjiang is more than just answering the call.

DR. CAI LING, DIRECTOR DEPT. OF MEDICAL ONCOLOGY FIRST HOSPITAL OF KASHGAR PREFECTURE "My patients think highly of my profession and trust me with their hearts. 90 percent of them are from ethnic minority groups, and many of my colleagues too. I think this program can absolutely boost relationships between different ethnic groups."

However, it wasn't like this in the beginning. Cai says many rural residents were under-informed about cancer. Some believed it's incurable, and gave up treatment - simply because they could not afford it. But now the situation has improved.

DR. CAI LING, DIRECTOR DEPT. OF MEDICAL ONCOLOGY FIRST HOSPITAL OF KASHGAR PREFECTURE "Now most patients receive nearly-free treatment here as a benefit from the latest improvement in the region's healthcare policy. They are also increasingly compliant and have more faith in the treatment."

The measures offer full insurance coverage for serious illnesses. It's especially vital for the poverty-stricken rural population. With technical aid and favorable policies, patients in southern Xinjiang now receive better treatment at minimal costs.

QUMANGULI MAIMAITI PATIENT "98 percent of the bill can be reimbursed. So I spend only 100 to 200 yuan on each course of the treatment."

Currently more than 200 patients receive cancer treatment at the hospital. Although after a year, Cai and her peers will have to come back, there will be more to carry on the task.

Sun Tianyuan, CGTN, Kashgar, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.