Yang gives routine checkups to the village elderly. [Photo provided to China Daily]

As she was about to leave, the elderly woman repeatedly expressed her gratitude, saying that Yang's visit had saved her life. She said that she had felt uncomfortable, but as nobody had been around, she had been unable to seek help since she was not able to walk or call anyone.

"I was touched by her words, and maybe that's what has helped me to keep doing this work," Yang says.

Her work as a doctor and NPC deputy has given her a double sense of responsibility, and she wants to speak for other village doctors.

"Although I am only a village doctor, I'm also participating in national affairs. As a result, I want to do a good job and set a good example," she says.

She has suggested that the government provide village doctors more support, especially in terms of pensions and medical training.

She has also suggested supporting education in remote border areas in terms of infrastructure and training. "Although education in the border areas has improved gradually, it's still not good enough. I have found students living in very narrow dorms, and there are not enough teachers," Yang says.