In a wide ranging interview recently, senior Tibetan religious leader Drubkhang·Tubtan Khaidrub talked about the many great changes in Xizang autonomous region in the past 70 years, especially in its healthcare. 

Drubkhang is a member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee. He is also vice-chairman of the Xizang Autonomous Regional Committee of the CPPCC, vice-president of the Buddhist Association of China, executive vice-president of the Xizang branch of the Buddhist Association of China, and head of the Tibetan Buddhist Institute. 

According to him, there were no modernized hospitals for the public except a handful of self-employed rural doctors before Xizang's democratic reform. Now, a healthcare network capable of providing outpatient, clinical and emergency medical services combining traditional Chinese medicine, local Tibetan medicine and Western medicine is in place, making it very convenient for people in Xizang to receive treatment. 

The average life expectancy in Xizang increased from 35.5 years in 1951 to 71.1 years in 2019, according to the white paper titled “Xizang Since 1951: Liberation, Development and Prosperity” released in 2021. 

Drubkhang also praised that the government has attached great importance to the wishes of religious people. Watch the video to learn more.