Lhasa Emergency Treatment Center

Lhasa Emergency Treatment Center (拉萨市人民医院高原反应救治中心), located in Lhasa People’s Hospital (拉萨市人民医院), is Tibet’s first specialized medical facility dedicated to the treatment of altitude sickness (高原反应). Officially opened on July 11, 2025, the center aims to provide efficient, accurate, and comprehensive care for both locals and tourists visiting Tibet’s high-altitude regions. This initiative was led by the Beijing medical aid team (北京援藏医疗队), with the goal of enhancing healthcare services for those suffering from high-altitude conditions.

Core Services and Facilities

Treatment Scope

The center focuses on treating a variety of altitude sickness conditions, including:

  • Mild to moderate altitude sickness (such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath).

  • Severe altitude sickness cases requiring emergency care.

In addition to standard treatment, the center offers oxygen therapy, blood oxygen monitoring, and medication interventions to provide fast and effective relief for those affected by high-altitude environments.

Advanced Equipment and Facilities

The Lhasa Emergency Treatment Center is equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology to ensure the best possible care:

  • 16 oxygen devices including oxygen tanks, masks, nasal cannulas, and portable oxygen concentrators available for patient use.

  • Hyperbaric oxygen chambers to provide advanced therapy for patients suffering from severe altitude sickness.

  • Real-time vital sign monitoring equipment for continuous patient assessment.

  • Audiovisual equipment for patient education and to provide information on altitude sickness prevention and management.

Convenient Patient Services

To improve patient convenience and ensure a smooth healthcare experience, the center has implemented several features:

  • 24-hour shift system to ensure continuous care for patients.

  • Patients can complete key processes, such as registration, payment, and appointment booking, within the treatment rooms without needing to leave.

  • Free access to water dispensers, altitude sickness prevention manuals, and psychological counseling services to support patients emotionally during their recovery.

Operational Impact and Social Contribution

Patient Volume and Service Efficiency

Since its trial operation, the Lhasa Emergency Treatment Center has made a significant impact on healthcare for both residents and visitors:

  • Daily consultations during the trial period averaged 80 patients per day.

  • As of August 2025, the center has treated over 700 patients, showcasing its increasing importance in the region’s healthcare landscape.

Contribution to Tourism Safety

The center is playing a pivotal role in the tourism sector of Lhasa by significantly enhancing the safety and confidence of tourists traveling to the high-altitude areas of Tibet. It has become an essential part of Lhasa’s tourism infrastructure, offering tourists peace of mind regarding their health and safety during their travels.

Collaborative Support and Development

  • Beijing Shiji Hospital (北京世纪坛医院) continues to provide long-term support for the center, using the “hospital partnership” model to help strengthen and expand the center’s capacity.

  • The goal is to establish a key medical specialty in Lhasa within three years. This collaboration will contribute to the development of specialized care for high-altitude diseases, ensuring long-term healthcare sustainability in the region.

Practical Information for Visitors

Location

  • Address: The Lhasa Emergency Treatment Center is located at No. 1 Beijing East Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa (拉萨市城关区北京东路1号), specifically on the first floor of the Emergency Department (急诊科一楼).

Fees

  • Registration Fee: 16 CNY.

  • Oxygen Therapy Fee: 55.3 CNY per session.

Transportation

  • Visitors can take public buses No. 8 and No. 20, both stopping at the “City People’s Hospital” (市人民医院) station, which is located near the center.

Key Milestone and Future Outlook

The opening of the Lhasa Emergency Treatment Center marks a significant milestone in Tibetan high-altitude medicine, offering much-needed healthcare solutions for both locals and tourists in Tibet.

  • Ongoing improvements to healthcare services, such as the introduction of advanced oxygen therapy technologies and the establishment of a specialized high-altitude medical team, are expected to continue enhancing the center’s ability to treat altitude sickness.

  • The future direction of the center will focus on continuous medical innovation, better service delivery, and expanding its role in the medical tourism sector, with the goal of improving health outcomes for both residents and visitors in Tibet.

As the center evolves, it will remain committed to its mission of “patient-centered care”, with a strong focus on improving healthcare technology and service quality, ensuring that it remains a vital healthcare resource for those traveling to or living in high-altitude regions.