Rebuilding lives

The new and better-constructed buildings and homes in Yushu are helping quake-hit residents to recover from the disaster.

But some rural areas still face challenges like power shortages because of the difficult terrain.

In Dritod county, a maternal and child care service center began operations at the end of 2013. The center is the county's first such facility for women and children.

There are 10 rooms and 30 beds for patients. Five doctors and nurses work in the center.

"The power supply in many counties in Yushu mainly depends on small hydropower stations. But the power suffers outages and can't support the running of some medical equipment during the dry season," said Jia Ying, director of the center.

The center bought five power generators to help maintain the equipment, Jia said, but two generators are not working and need to be repaired.

"Transportation in Yushu is in very poor condition. We lack technicians. Medical professionals are also in short supply. The high altitude and poor economic conditions have deterred many new medical graduates from coming," she said.

Education and care for women and children's health are also inadequate in many counties in Yushu, Jia said.

Dzatod county's first maternal and child care service center was also built last year and will be utilized in a few months. Women like Gartsok have little knowledge about gynecological issues, or even basic knowledge about contraception.

"Such service centers are in great demand here. Women should know more about their health and the health of their children," Jia said.

"Support for healthcare and other basic resources, as well as professionals, are still very much needed here."