BIR: In an official ceremony organised by the Health Department earlier this morning, the Kalon for Health Department of Central Tibetan Administration formally inducted Dr. Tenzin Dechen as the new chief medical officer of the primary health centre at Bir.

The Health Department runs a network of 7 hospitals and 54 primary health care centres spread across the length and breadth of India and Nepal. The primary health center at Bir provides basic medical services  to the settlers of three Tibetan settlements at Bir, viz. Bir Tibetan Society, Nangchen Division and Dege Division.

Presenting a laptop and stethoscope to Dr Tenzin Dechen, Health Kalon Dr Tsering Wangchuk congratulated her and expressed his hope that she will serve the Tibetan people to the best of her ability. Health Kalon also recounted how he always encourage Tibetan students, who are currently studying MBBS, to serve in Tibetan hospitals.  

Along with the appointment of a new medical officer, the Department also declared that the contractual term of the health executive secretary of Bir primary health centre, Mr Sonam Hara, has been extended for one more year.  

With total 12 staff members, including both medical and administrative, Bir Primary Health Care Centre provides health care services to a population of over 7,000 Tibetan settlers, in addition to a significant number of local Indian population.