The death of a 69-year-old Austrian tourist to the "roof of the world" last week has prompted questions about the first-aid capacity of the southwestern Tibet Autonomous Region.

　　Hein Hofer Josef, a member of the largest foreign tour group ever to visit Tibet, came down with coronary heart disease in Xigaze Prefecture on April 6 and died later at the Gyangze County Hospital.

　　An official with the regional tourism administration said Josef’s daughter, a physician, performed artificial respiration on him and the tour guide called for first aid immediately. As the county hospital is not equipped with an ambulance, they had to take a taxi. Josef died despite efforts from the doctors.

　　"As domestic tourism booms and more tourists come from other countries, we need to upgrade medical facilities and technologies in the remote mountainous regions in order to provide timely treatment for tourists who may fall ill," the official said without giving his name.

　　He called on relevant departments to set up first-aid centers equipped with stretchers, helicopters, rescue workers and emergency first aid facilities.