DHARAMSHALA: The Central Council of Tibetan Medicine (CCTM), the premier governing body of traditional Tibetan medicine today marked its 11th founding anniversary at the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute (Mentseekhang). The CCTM is also holding its second Sowa Rigpa meeting co-inciding with the founding anniversary.
Mr. Tsegyal Dranyi, Secretary of Department of Health, Central Tibetan Administration, was the chief guest at the ceremony. Other dignitaries include Mr. Gyarik Thar, member of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Dr. Khenrab Gyatso from Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute, Dr. Tamdin, Executive Member of CCTM, and Dr. Trinley Yangjor.
In his address, Health Secretary Mr. Tsegyal Dranyi spoke about the genesis of the council and emphasised the primary reasons of establishing this council comprised solely of Tibetan medical practitioners.
“The CCTM was established after the “Exile Tibetan Doctor’s Association Act – 2003” was passed by the 13th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile during its 5th session in the year 2003, with the final approval by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Since then, it has done some significant works and Sowa Rigpa is now gaining worldwide prestige and acclaim,” he said.
“The primary objectives of the CCTM are to preserve and promote the rich traditions of Tibetan medical system, and maintain the professional conduct of the Tibetan medical practitioners by ensuring quality and standard,” he explained.
Extolling the important role played by the CCTM in ensuring quality and preservation of Tibetan culture, the Secretary noted the importance of electing dynamic and enthusiastic members in the governing body of the CCTM. He concluded his address with the health department’s best wishes for CCTM’s future endeavors.
Mr. Gyarik Thar, speaking on behalf of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, said that doctors play an important role in the Tibetan community. And therefore, this meeting is significant because it is a meeting of professional Tibetan doctors.
He said that the Tibetan Parliament acknowledges and respect the service of the council since its inception. “We highly appreciate the service of the Tibetan doctors and the council in providing crucial service to the society. However, we have to look at the future now. We have to explore ways to make the rich knowledge of Sowa Rigpa more dynamic and beneficial to the public,” he said.
Speaking on the critical situation inside Tibet, he said that the rich traditions of Tibetan religion and culture including Sowa Rigpa are facing imminent danger of annihilation under the repressive measures of the Chinese government. “Till now, we have been able to preserve Sowa Rigpa in exile under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. But we have to make more effort now, ” he said, adding Sowa Rigpa is an essential component of Tibetan medicine. The depth of this ancient knowledge is a testament of the Tibetan people’s cultural development.
The Central Council of Tibetan Medicine was established on 5 January 2004. It comprises of 10 governing members including one appointed by office of His Holiness the Dalai and one member of Allopathic Doctor appointed by Department of Health. It also include four physicians from the Tibetan Medical & Astrological Institute, and four from Non-Men-Tsee-Khang physicians, including one reserved seat for the physician of Bon Medical Tradition.