During the 2nd National Poverty Alleviation Day period this year, funded by the China Petrochemical (Sinopec) Company Tibet Branch, nine cleft lip patients from Tibet’s Nagqu pastoral area were sent to the Chengdu Huaxi Stomatological Hospital for surgical repair, and on the 22nd, six of them successfully completed surgery and returned to their families.

This charity effort was made possible together with assistance from the China Petrochemical Company Tibet branch, the Tibet Autonomous Region Communist Youth League Committee, the local District Health Bureau and Chengdu Huaxi Stomatological Hospital; for which the Sinopec Tibet Branch provided 100,000 RMB, and also provided for the travel expenses and accommodation costs for the patients and their families.

"We screened a total of 9 patients, 6 of whom have been successfully repaired, and the other 3 are still under observation, and will continue to complete surgery." Chen Jun, the person in charge of the China Petrochemical Tibet branch office said, who added that the 9 patients are mostly children, the eldest is 21 years old and the youngest is only 6 months old.

Chen Jun said that, since it is the first time for almost all patients and their families are to go to inland China, there are obstacles in the aspects of lifestyle and language. Therefore the company also sent six staff, responsible for travel guidance, accommodation, escort, communication and other coordination work.

8-year-old Renchen Zara is one of six children who successfully completed the operation. His father, Tuwang said that the child was born with cleft lip, and as he grew up it become increasingly obvious, "We live in Nagchu, Shuanghu County, the county with the highest average elevation in China. In the past, we didn't know the disease could be cured, and since the economic conditions at home are not good, we never went to treat it."

Disease makes Renqin Zaba's face frightening to outsiders, although he is only 8 years old, Rinchen Zaba hasn't never been to school, because he is particularly withdrawn and is afraid of being made fun of.

"After we saw the assistance notice in the village, we immediately applied, and now the disease is cured, we are all very happy. When we are in Chengdu, I sent a photo message back home, my families were very delighted." Tuwang said, after we get back home, he will go contact the school for his son.

Rinchen Zhaba was still a little shy, he told reporters that before he went out in public he had to wear a mask afraid that others will see his mouth, and now he can finally put the mask off, although still not quite used to that.

Rinchen Zaba said that “this was my first visit to inland China, the first time to take a train, and the first time to take a plane. Furthermore, it was my first time to the city and while in the aircraft I saw snow capped mountains, and while in Chengdu I saw many tall buildings… Chengdu is now very warm, warmer than our home in the summer, now I can go to school to study, and when I grow up I want to go to inland to study."