A group of medics from Zhangjiagang, Suzhou in East China's Jiangsu province, provides free medical services to patients in a remote village in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region June 7. [Photo/Official WeChat account: dream-ts]

The 10th medical aid team from Zhangjiagang provided free medical services to patients in a remote village in Gongliu county, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, June 7.

Local villager He Birong had suffered from stomach illness for many years. Although she visited local hospitals and clinics, her condition never improved.

When she heard that a group of volunteer medical professionals from Zhangjiagang would be providing free diagnoses and treatment in her village, He hurried to join the line of patients.

"The medical aid team really helped me a lot," she said. "They gave me a better diagnosis, and I'm so grateful to them."

The medical team conducts free medical services every week, and covers 81 administrative villages in Gongliu, with the aim of providing convenient medical services to all patients in remote areas.

"The service puts the focus on poverty-stricken families and disabled people," said Wang Hao, a member of the team.

Wang said that the voluntary services are intended to promote better health and poverty alleviation for people in the poorest areas.

Authorities said that the medical program is playing a significant role in improving the region's healthcare system, and also reducing the chances of people slipping back into poverty due to illness.