Golog Health, Shaya Laughlin

Tibetans have never had it easy.Their environment is harsh and, by necessity, Tibetans have become tough and resilient people.

Despite what appears to be a continuous grim struggle against nature and rough conditions, they manage to keep a remarkable outlook on life. The Golog Support Foundation has concentrated on the Golog region to bring its people two hospitals – a necessity and comfort which locals are tremendously grateful for. The first one is situated in deep in nomadic land in the area of the Tatsok monastery. It takes a few hours by four-wheel-drive to reach.

The doctors practice Tibetan and Chinese medicine for the patients from surrounding villages. One of them said that previously people died trying to reach the bigger hospital in either Dawu or Xining – often pregnant women. “We’re in a very isolated area and there’s no easy transport to this village,” he explained in Tibetan to the translator. “This hospital benefits locals and it is a lot cheaper.” The hospital started in 2010 in a nomadic tent, in 2011 a house was built and the doctor started practicing in 2012.

Currently there are two doctors and two monks who receive about 50 patients a day. One patient tells me that it is an ideal situation for the village. “It’s very convenient and a lot cheaper,” he said. “The doctors also understand what we say because in Xining they don’t speak Tibetan. “It’s great for older people in the village like me or the monks at the monastery.” 

The doctors are accommodating and visit patients that are too ill to make the short trip to the hospital. If someone is really sick, they will take them to a bigger hospital by motorbike. They also treat patients with no money, but the doctor said more funding would be welcomed. “We need more supplies like medicine and needles,” he said.

Meanwhile, in the Gade County, a second hospital is under construction by the Golog Support Foundation. The new hospital is nearly completed but permission still needs to be granted by the Chinese government. Currently there are 10 rooms for patients and one office. Building started in 2010, and the building is being rented to a pharmacy and a cake shop until the go-ahead is received. One monk nurse, Tagnor, explained that they want to build a second floor with more rooms.