Unmarried women may wear a black or striped kerchief with a bow on their heads. Married women will wear a turban. Men wear long pants and short embroidered jackets. Hospital care is available in larger towns, and the government reports that immunization clinics and maternity centers are available in each county. Tropical diseases, including malaria, hepatitis, and small pox were endemic, but the government claims that these have largely been eliminated.
Health care is usually the responsibility of the work unit.
Rural farmers must pay for their own care. One report listed approximately one doctor for every 23,000 persons in Guizhou Province. Guizhou has the highest infant mortality rate in the country. Life expectancy for the Bouyei is 43 years. Generally monsoon rains provide an adequate supply of water for personal use and agriculture.