Doctor a hero to rural Xinjiang community

"We have modern medical equipment in the hospital, but few doctors can use it," Mei says, sighing. "We can't even perform surgical operations."

Due to the tough living environment and comparatively low salary, young doctors are not willing to live and work there.

"We are badly in need of doctors," says Mei. "Every year we train new doctors, but every year many choose to leave. This is the biggest problem right now."

But Mei won't give up. She tried to increase the subsidies for overtime work for doctors and nurses from 12 yuan (about $2) per day to 35 and 30 yuan respectively.

"This will help them increase income by 500 to 600 yuan every month."

Mei hopes this will keep some of the young doctors from leaving.

Zhou Mengmeng, 24, a graduate from a medical college in Shandong, started working in Mei's hospital last August.

"People are simple and honest here. We have a good chance to practice, and Mei has set a good example for us."

After doing administrative work for two years in the regiment hospital, Mei plans to open clinic hours herself at least one day a week. She thinks that will keep improving her medical skills and will help her learn the real problems of the people. In her heart, she would rather be seeing to patients than to paperwork.

"Right now, my position asks me to bring up a team," says Mei. "Baerluke needs me, and I won't retire before I form a qualified medical team for the people here."

Xing Yi contributed to this story.