Doctors needed in quake region

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Source: CCTV.com | 05-09-2009 16:18

Many hospitals in Dujiangyan city were destroyed by last year's massive earthquake.

The city's People's Hospital, the only comprehensive one still standing is overcrowded.

Every day since the earthquake has been exhausting for Doctor Liu Hui. (CCTV.com)

Every day since the earthquake has been exhausting for Doctor Liu Hui.

As the best ear-nose-throat doctor in Dujiangyan city, she sees 70 patients a day, sometimes more than a hundred. Her office is always packed with patients from all over the area.

She doesn't have time for lunch, or even a drink of water. We came here early in the morning, but she was busy. And when we managed a quick interview at dusk, there were still 10 patients waiting.

Dr. Liu Hui, Dujiangyan People's Hospital, said, "I feel that people care more about their health after the earthquake experience. They feel the vulnerability of human in front of the force of the nature. Now, they come to me with any ailments. In the past, they usually came when the illness got really serious."

No major building of this hospital collapsed in the earthquake. So it's the only one in the city with all medical departments still operating. That makes it patients' first choice.

The People's Hospital has treated 120 thousand patients after the quake. But it wasn't prepared for the sudden pressure. There are only 7 out-patient doctors, and all of them have to see patients from various departments.