Garze Prefectural Tibetan Medicine Hospital

　　Historically known as Kamba, Garze Prefecture is one of the sources for Tibetan medicine. In 1984, the prefecture saw the establishment of the Garze Prefectural Tibetan Medicine Hospital in Kangding. It combines clinical treatment with teaching, scientific research and medicine production. After 17 years of efforts, the hospital has grown to cover an area of 6,178 square meters, with a constructed area of 6,100 square meters. Of the 70-plus medical workers, five have senior academic titles with one enjoying special treatment from the State Council, while 47 have middle- and low-ranking academic titles. The 50-bed hospital has medical, surgical, obstetrics and gynecology departments. Thanks to the introduction of ultra-B, electrocardiogram, gastro scope and other state-of-the-art equipment, the hospital has made much headway in diagnosing and treating difficult complicated cases related to stomach, liver, heart and blood vessels. Special channels have also been opened for the sick in other parts of China to receive diagnosis and treatment via correspondence. As a result, the hospital treats some 40,000 patients hailing from a dozen provinces, municipalities directly under the Central Government, and autonomous regions. The hospital attaches great importance to the research and development of new medicine. In accordance with a decision by the State Administration for Traditional Chinese Medicine, the hospital succeeded in the development of Zutadezma for treating gastritis. In addition, it joined hands with research institutes within the province to develop Ranjamdorje Capsules. Altogether, the hospital has produced 230-odd kinds of Tibetan medicine for common diseases as well as 12 kinds of the Renqen medicine series. Over the years, 12 medical workers have been able to study and work under the tutorship of three veteran Tibetan medicine workers. Five of them have "graduated" and won a license to work in local hospitals. Altogether, the hospital has trained over 200 polytechnic-level medical workers for the locality, and helped train 250-plus medical workers for other parts of the prefecture and neighboring places. The hospital has also cooperated with an American foundation to teach a four-year Tibetan medicine class in Garze.