Seriously ill travelers should
not consider trying to leave Tibet by road,
as the difficulties and uncertainties of such
journey unacceptable risks. Your only choice
is to fly. You should have travel insurance
cover such contingencies. The hospital can give
you a medical statement to use in claiming evacuation
expenses.
A sick person, who can be accompanied
by a relative or helper, can get on any CAAC
flight without advance booking or notice. He
should arrive at the airport at least an hour
before boarding-time and should have letters
in Chinese from a hospital or other competent
authority stating the emergency and the need
for evacuation. If the plane is full, other
passengers will be taken off to make room. Emergency
passengers can buy tickets on the spot at the
airport, but must be carrying the exact fare
in foreign exchange certificate. The pilot can
radio ahead to Chengdu, giving details of the
emergency and requesting preparations at the
airport, so carry the medical statement ( in
Chinese ) to show to the pilot and cabin staff.
Oxygen bags can be obtained from
CITS at the Holiday Inn for the journey to the
airport. As soon as the plane takes off, the
cabin will be pressurized to seal-level pressure,
bringing relief to patients with lung or breathing
problems.
You can go for check-ups or further
treatment to the modern and excellent West China
Medical University Hospital in Chengdu, which
has good dental care.
