"There are 1,535 residents in Yangou village, most of whom are elderly people with chronic diseases living by themselves. So I need to keep an eye on their conditions," Li Xiaoyan said.

One of his patients, Li Furong, reported a loss of appetite and weight. After preliminary treatment, Li Xiaoyan accompanied the 51-year-old to a city hospital for further examination.

"I was diagnosed with a tumor in my stomach. I was so lucky to come in time for surgery and I am now recovering," Li Furong said.

In recent years, Gansu has opened 14,080 village clinics, 1,158 township hospitals and 75 county-level public hospitals in impoverished areas, according to the provincial health commission.

Patients with common diseases are diagnosed and treated at primary-level healthcare institutions.

Wang Xinglong, director of Wangchuan's central hospital, said when more difficult procedures are required, village doctors can be guided by specialists via video links.

Li Xiaoyan, who has an annual income of over 50,000 yuan ($7,140), treats 3,000 cases a year.

Last year, his daughter Li Yurong was admitted to Dingxi Teachers College, majoring in nursing. She also plans to carry on the family tradition of caring for the sick.

Xinhua