Medical facilities and hospitals :
Hospital and health clinics in central Tibet are primarily located in Lhasa, Shigatse, and Tsethang,. The language barrier can be a problem, so it is a good idea to bring along an interpreter.
In Lhasa, the main hospital recommended for foreigners is the Renmin, or People's Hospital, on Dzugtrun Lam, the east-west street north of the Potala. It has an emergency room as well as a foreigner's clinic with a doctor generally on duty from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.
The Lhasa People's Hospital (the City Hospital) is located at the east end of Lhasa on Dekyi Bhar Lam, just past the Banok Shol hotel. Although the recommended hours for visitation are 9 a.m to 5 p.m, the doctor who sees foreigners is generally available in the evening from 7 p.m to 9 p. m. The Holiday Inn in Lhasa has a doctor's clinic for their guests, with medical staff provided by the People's Hospital. Consultations are arranged through the Assistant Manager in the hotel lobby. Visitation fees are in addition to the costs of any medicines provided.
The Tibetan Medicine Hospital, called the Menzi Khang, is located across from the Barkor Square. Hours are from 9:30 a.m to 1:30 p.m and 3:30 p.m to 6 p.m. The hospital is closed on Sunday. Diagnosis of an illness is done by traditional Tibetan medicinal techniques, such as feeling the pulse and examining the urine, and the medicine prescribed are mostly traditional Tibetan herbal preparations. Foreigners should report to the outpatient section. If you have a chance, ask permission to see the beautiful collection of medical-oriented thangka paintings displayed on the hospital's top floor.
In Shigatse, a modern, multi-story hospital is located about a ten-minute walk north of the Shigatse Hotel. If the main central entrance is locked, try the emergency room entrance to the right.
In Tsethang, the hospital is located on the north side of the main road to Gongkar Airport, near the T intersection with the road leading south toward the main part of the city. There is also a hospital in Chonggye.
The hospital closet to the Everest region is in Shegar (turnoff at km market 482/3). It has several inpatient wards and a few doctors, though the Shigatse hospital is better equipped for serious injuries or illnesses.
The only proper dental facility (by Western standards) in central Tibet is in Lhasa at the Military Hospital Dental Clinic on Xingfu Xi Lu Street, near the Holiday inn. It has modern equipment and will accept foreigners. The only alternative is to use one of the street side dentists displaying sets of false teeth in the city markets.
Most of the pharmacies in Lhasa are located along the main street, Dekyi Shar Lam, either below the Potala or closer to the Barkor near the Yak and Kirey hotels. Some of these shops have signs with a red cross or the word "Pharmacy". They typically sell Chinese and Tibetan medicines, but also some western antibiotics, analgesics, and vitamins. Many pharmacies double as outpatient clinics. If you need a specific drug, bring a sample if you have one.
The best pharmacies in Shigatse and Tsethang are located in the city hospitals. The usual procedure is to meet with a doctor, who will then prescribe the medicine. If a doctor is not available, you might be able to convince a nurse to sell you medicine if you can mime your complaint or if you have a drug sample.
Sometimes it is best to see a western doctor in a private, western-style clinic, either out of necessity or simply for peace of mind. If someone is injured or becomes seriously ill during a trek in the Everest or Shishapangma regions, you should seriously consider going to one of the clinics in Kathmandu. They are closer than the hospital in Shigatse and the facilities are superior. The best-known (and most expensive) clinic with western doctors is the CIWEC Clinic in Baluwatar (phone 410983) across from the Russian Embassy. Another reliable clinic with a highly qualified western-trained doctor is the Nepal International Clinic (phone 412842), located across from the Royal Palace on a side street near the cinema. The Tribuwan University Teaching Hospital on Maharaj Ganj Street has a good emergency room-outpatient service.
HuangShan
Trip 
Great Wall of China
Trip
Hiking in China Home
Page
Audiologist Volunteer Needed
(click for info)