'Guardian angel': story of a village doctor in China's Tibet(1/6)

Village doctor Zhoima examines the medicine at her clinic in Wuqang Village of Dongmar Township in Rutog County, Ngari Prefecture, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Aug. 3, 2019. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Two decades of hard work made the doctor a "guardian angel" for Wuqang villagers.

Born in 1979, Zhoima has been a village doctor in Wuqang for more than 20 years.

The village is located in Rutog County, Ngari Prefecture of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

Unlike most other places in the country, it's not an easy job to be a doctor here considering its weather and high altitude.

It is estimated that each year she provides more than 600 diagnoses and treatment to villagers regardless of the weather and journey.

Zhoima (R) makes a home visit in Wuqang Village, SW China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Aug. 3, 2019. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Zhoima (R) makes a home visit in Wuqang Village, SW China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Aug. 3, 2019. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Zhoima (L) makes a home visit to a patient in Wuqang Village, SW China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Aug. 3, 2019. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Zhoima (R) conducts a medical checkup for a villager at the health room in Wuqang Village, SW China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Aug. 3, 2019. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Zhoima (R) bids farewell to her patient (L) and her family in Wuqang Village, SW China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Aug. 3, 2019. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)