First of all, I would like to take this precious opportunity to extend my warm greetings to all the Tibetans inside and outside Tibet.
As nominated by Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay and unanimously approved by the Tibetan Parliament, I accepted the post of Kalon and took the oath of office from the Chief Justice Commissioner on 16 September 2011.
I officially took the responsibility to lead the department of health as its 15th Kalon on 19 September, 2011 followed by a brief welcome ceremony held at our office on 22 September 2011.
It was an honor and privilege to succeed Kalon Chope Paljor Tsering-la.
I look forward to lead the department of health and improve the health conditions of the Tibetan people with the best of my abilities. Scattered throughout the communities in India, Nepal and Bhutan, the total exile Tibetan population is around 130,000. Under such circumstances, the needs of human resources and facilities related with health are much greater. The department of health faces a tough challenge in terms of public health, particularly in improving human resources and ensuring health care access to remote Tibetan settlements.
I am also looking forward for cooperation from Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute (Mentsekhang); the Delek hospital, TCV, Kunphen, Choice, Tibet Charity and etc as equal partners in carrying forward our common responsibility to improve the health of the Tibetan people.
The department was first established in 1981. The first Kalon, Shewo L. Dhargay and first Secretary, Mrs. Kesang Y. Takla had joined their office on November 1988 and 1 December 1983 respectively. They and their teams and their successors had worked really hard to help the department and health status of the Tibetan people reached where they stand today. At present, the department has expanded greatly, supporting fifty five health centers in South Asia, out of which twelve are in Nepal. The department further administers and supports seven larger primary health centers, four smaller ones and 32 dispensaries in India, including one school with special needs in Dehradun.
All these achievements could not have been possible without the blessings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Indian government and her people, the various charitable organizations both in India and abroad and last, but not least, the dedication and hard work of all the former and present staff working in the health care centers in settlements and at the main office in Dharamsala. Thank you all for making a difference!
At the same time, I realize that there is much more work to be done to improve the mechanisms for monitoring and ensuring further efficiency in health care deliveries. I am looking forward to work with my dedicated team in addressing these important issues. Since the health services are to help the communities, I believe we can be more effective through creating further awareness among the public, particularly in seeking cooperation of communities and their leaders, who need to take greater responsibilities. I request all of you who are involved in our health services and the public to be aware and also to consider how best to help us in our efforts to make a healthier Tibetan society.
Finally, I would like to request all our health and medical professionals, particularly doctors to contribute at least few years in Tibetan health service. Central Tibetan Administration and your community need you all at this critical time. If not us, who will? If not now, then when?
Dr.Tsering Wangchuk
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