Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute Turns 48Monday, 24 March 2009, 4:21 p.m.

Mr Sonam Choephel Shosur, secretary for health, (L) release a book tilted “Bod-Kyi Sorig sMen-Ri Selwey Melong” written by Dr Dawa, director of Men-Tsee Khang, (R), in Dharamshala on 23 March 2009

The secretary for Health of the Central Tibetan Administration, Mr Sonam Choephel Shosur presided over the function, which was attended by senior physicians, staff members and students of Men-Tsee Khang.In his introductory address, Dr Dawa, director of Men-Tsee Khang, spoke on the efforts and progress made by the institute in the preservation, promotion and practice of gSowa-rigpa, the Tibetan system of medicine, astronomy and astrology.Emphasising the vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on enhancing expertise in academic fields, Dr Dawa said the institute will focus on imparting best study curriculum and facilities to students on traditional Tibetan system of medicine.    He said the administration will lay special emphasis to improve the quality and expand the production of Tibetan medicine using modern technology and at the same time not neglecting the traditional standards of manufacturing Tibetan medicine.He said free or concessional medical care is provided to poor and infirm Tibetans, including monks and nuns, all new arrivals from Tibet, and those over the age of seventy. The centre organised regular free medical camp for the local Indian community to foster harmony and friendly relations with the Tibetan people in various Tibetan settlements, he said.    In his brief address, health secretary Sonam Shosur lauded the collective efforts made by former and present staff members of the institute in the promotion and preservation of the unique traditional system of Tibetan medicine.     He said it also helped in preserving and promoting Tibetan religion and culture, adding that these qualities form the essence of Tibetan cultural heritage.

He said the institute should put more efforts in research studies to explore methods to cure diseases which the allopathic system has not been able to develop.He said the students should learn as much as they can the traditional medical treatises and techniques from the senior physicians and teachers when they are still alive.    The institute honoured the entire 14th and 15th medical batch students, the top three students  of the 8th batch of the astrological study, the student with overall best performance and the boy and girl captains of the college.    Staff members who served the institution for 20 years were presented with certificates as an appreciation for their service.    From a humble beginning, Men-Tsee Khang has developed into a large and robust administration with departments including pharmaceutical, research and development, editorial and publication, college for training new doctors and astrologers, herbal product research department and medicine stores.     Today, Men-Tsee-Khang has 376 staff members working for the institute. The doctors and astrologers regularly visit Europe, Canada, USA, Russia, Japan, Thailand and many places in India for conferences, seminars, consulations, and exhibitions. There are currently 54 branch clinics in India and Nepal.