Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Top-end hotels can usually recommend a good place to go for advice. Standards of med-
ical attention are so low in most places in Tibet that for some ailments the best advice is to
go straight to Lhasa, and in extreme cases get on a plane to Kathmandu or Chéngdū:
CIWEC Clinic Travel Medicine Center
(
MAP
MEDICAL
+977-1-4424111, 4435232;
www.ciwec-clinic.com
;
24h emer-
gency, clinic 9am-noon & 1-4pm Mon-Fri)
In Kathmandu. In operation since 1982 and has an international reputation for research
into travellers' medical problems. Staff are mostly foreigners and a doctor is on call around
the clock. A consultation costs around US$65. Credit cards are accepted and the centre is
used to dealing with insurance claims.
Global Doctor Chengdu Clinic
( 8528 3638, 24hr emergency 139-8225 6966;
www.globaldoctor.com.au
; 62 Kehua Beilu,
Lippo Tower, Section S, 2nd fl, No 9-11, Chéngdū)
Offers pre-Tibet medical examinations and a Tibet Travellers Assist Package that can be
useful if you are worried about an existing medical condition.
MEDICAL
Infectious Diseases
Rabies
This fatal viral infection is found in Tibet. Many animals (such as dogs, cats, bats and mon-
keys) can be infected and it is their saliva that is infectious. Any bite, scratch or even lick
from an animal should be cleaned immediately and thoroughly. Scrub gently with soap and
running water, and then apply alcohol or iodine solution. Prompt medical help should be
sought to receive a course of injections to prevent the onset of symptoms and save the pa-
tient from death.
If you have any potential exposure to rabies, seek medical advice in Lhasa (or ideally
Kathmandu, Chéngdū or Běijīng) as soon as possible. Even in these centres full treatment
may not be available and you may need to travel to Bangkok or Hong Kong.
Respiratory Infections
Upper respiratory tract infections (like the common cold) are frequent ailments all over Ch-
ina, including Tibet, where the high altitude aggravates symptoms.
Some of the symptoms of influenza include a sore throat, fever and weakness. Any
upper-respiratory-tract infection, including influenza, can lead to complications such as
