China's military authority has quadrupled medical supplies to
forces stationed at high altitude areas to combat high altitude
sickness, a common ailment among soldiers.
According to Sunday's People's Liberation Army Daily,
the medical aid budget allocated to each soldier and officer
stationed at posts 3,000 meters and more above sea level has been
raised to 255.28 yuan (US$31.9) per year from 34 yuan for soldiers
and 126 yuan for officers.
China's so-called "high altitude army" is mainly stationed in
the Tibet Autonomous Region, western Qinghai Province, Xinjiang
Uygur Autonomous Region, and Yunnan Province to the southwest.
In addition to anti-high altitude sickness medication, a new
skin care product has also been introduced to protect personnel
from excessive ultraviolet radiation.
Further, there are plans to equip forces in Tibet and Xinjiang
with small portable oxygen supply kits. Military hospitals in Tibet
will also be supplied with a range of emergency facilities.
All medicine and equipment will be made available before
September.
(Xinhua News Agency July 24, 2006)
