In Tibet, medical care helps in anti-poverty effort

The village is located near a natural hot spring, which is believed to help with conditions such as arthritis, she said.

Wangdrak, a resident of the village, said he enjoys living in the new location because of the public health, education and transportation services available.

"Before, my family lived in a nomadic area where the average altitude is 5,000 meters above the sea level. My wife suffered from severe arthritis," said Wangdrak.

"She could not walk normally a year ago, but her situation has improved dramatically in recent years thanks to the care provided here. She can see a doctor and get medicine at almost any time, and she gets massages, acupuncture and herbal baths."

Now she can not only walk but can also work. And she operates a small grocery store from home, he said.