In the rugged terrain of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 52-year-old Jumatay Aubakir has spent three decades defying harsh conditions to provide vital healthcare to isolated pastoral communities. Known as the "doctor on horseback," Aubakir began his journey in July 1992, navigating treacherous mountain roads at elevations exceeding 3,000 meters to reach patients scattered across vast distances.
Equipped with a weathered medical kit inherited from his father – a 40-year-old symbol of familial dedication – Aubakir has braved snowstorms, landslides, and extreme weather to treat everything from common illnesses to emergencies. His commitment earned him China’s "Most Beautiful Village Doctor" award, though residents say his true legacy lies in the countless lives saved through his refusal to turn away any patient.
"Every mountain crossed means another family protected," Aubakir told local media, emphasizing the interconnectedness of remote communities in Xinjiang’s pastoral regions. Health authorities highlight his work as part of broader efforts to improve medical accessibility in China’s western frontiers.
