Liangshan, Sichuan- The story of a free clinic on a train

“Excuse me, my child has an oral infection. Can you help us take a look?” On the afternoon of October 24, Ai Huo A’ya, carrying her child on her back, approached the green train that had stopped in Ni Bo Town, Xide County, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. She stood eagerly outside the converted train car turned clinic, looking hopefully at the doctors.

This train, operated by the China Railway Chengdu Group and Chengdu University Affiliated Hospital, serves as a traveling health clinic, bringing nearly 50 experts from various medical specialties such as orthopedics, critical care, and cardiothoracic surgery, along with professional medical equipment, into the heart of the Daliang Mountains. From October 21 to 25, the volunteer medical team provided health check-ups, targeted screenings, and expert consultations for the local population.

“This is our sixth visit to the Daliang Mountain area to serve our Yi ethnic brothers and sisters. Over 200 experts and medical staff from Chengdu University Affiliated Hospital have participated in these missions,” said Li Shiyun, a committee member and deputy director of the hospital, as he coordinated the medical staff preparing for consultations. He noted that through multiple visits, the team has gained insights into the community’s health conditions, lifestyles, and health awareness, allowing them to refine their medical plans. “We aim to approach this in a systematic way,” he stated.

As the sun rose, illuminating the green train nestled among the mountains, locals formed long lines outside. Nearby, Song Bo, the deputy chief physician of the cardiothoracic surgery department, engaged in a heartfelt conversation with Ma Hai A’ya, a Yi woman, as they clasped hands.

In 2022, during a previous health mission, the team discovered that Ma Hai A’ya suffered from rheumatic heart disease with severe mitral stenosis. Thanks to coordinated efforts from Chengdu University Affiliated Hospital and the railway group, as well as meticulous treatment from Song Bo and his colleagues, she regained her health. Now, as she boarded the train again, her eyes sparkled with gratitude for her “saviors.” “I can walk without getting tired now,” she beamed. “I can carry ten kilograms. I can help with farm work to ease the burden on my family.”

Song Bo pointed out that many villagers like Ma Hai A’ya suffer from health issues and lack access to proper care due to various reasons. The health train acts as a “mobile hospital,” shortening the distance to medical services for these communities. “Moving forward, we will use telemedicine and local health workers to create health records for patients and ensure ongoing follow-ups,” he added.

While health check-ups progressed smoothly on the train, another team of medical personnel with diagnostic kits ventured into nearby villages for home visits, checking on patients identified in previous screenings.

“When I told you to cut back on cured meats because of high blood pressure, have you been following that advice?” asked Zeng Honglian, head of the health management center at Chengdu University Affiliated Hospital, as she visited Yi man Ji Yue Sha Guo’s home to assess his recovery. Her concern turned into a series of reminders.

Ji Yue Sha Guo previously experienced a cerebral hemorrhage that left him partially paralyzed, alongside multiple complications. After seeking help on the health train in 2021, the medical team implemented a treatment plan involving both onsite and remote consultations. Now, as the train returns, he can walk with a cane and climb hills.

As dusk fell and lights illuminated the homes, the volunteer team concluded their day by heading to the local health clinic for training sessions and health education outreach.

“We’re focused on achieving both short-term and long-term results,” Li Shiyun emphasized, outlining the team’s plans to establish a remote medical assistance system with the local clinic to continually enhance healthcare standards and educate residents on health and hygiene.”