VIENTIANE, April 24 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese doctor working for the China-Laos railway project has won over Lao people's hearts with his dedication to keeping the railway workers healthy, local daily Vientiane Times reported on Wednesday.

Chen Bingwu, who is responsible for treating those working on the railway project in Luang Prabang province of northern Laos, has been practicing traditional Chinese medicine for a long time.

He not only treats workers on the project but also provides medical assistance to local folk, which gains him enormous respect.

In Luang Prabang province, some 220 km north of capital Vientiane, Chen examines the sick regularly. On some days, he gives consultations and treatments without charging money. More than 10 patients are receiving check-ups on a daily basis.

Ms. By, a 45-year-old local from Huay Hao village, has been suffering from arthritis for several years. She told Vientiane Times that previously her knees hurt and she was unable to walk but the doctor used acupuncture to treat her and also applied ointments to her skin. She is now recovering and can walk better.

Arthritis is a common illness in the region but it's not well understood. Arthritis refers to joint pains, usually involving multiple joints of the body such as knees. There are 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions that affect people of all ages.

Chen has offered healthcare to people who cannot come to the project site.

The China-Laos Railway Project No. 4 Section is located in a thickly wooded valley to the south of Luang Prabang city where road access is a challenge, making treatment difficult, especially for the elderly.

However, Chen overcame geographical difficulties and has been to five villages in the surrounding area this year to offer treatment free of charge. In less than four months, he has treated more than 600 people, according to the Lao daily's report.

Chen said he was deeply concerned for the welfare of sick people and was happy to be involved in the project.

The people of Laos and China and the international community have highly praised the project, the largest infrastructure endeavor undertaken in the country, said the Lao daily on Wednesday. It is envisaged that the railway will boost socio-economic development, increase employment, and generally improve people's living standards.

The 414.332-km China-Laos Railway, scheduled to be completed in December 2021, runs from Boten bordering China in northern Laos to the capital of Vientiane with an operating speed of 160 km per hour.