Dharamshala — Men Tseekhang, the premier institute for traditional Tibetan medicine and astrology marked its 101st anniversary of establishment by the 13th Dalai Lama in Lhasa, Tibet in 1916 on March 30th.
The event also marked 56 years of re-establishing Men-Tsee-Khang by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, India and 321 years of establishing the Chagpori Medical College in Lhasa, Tibet by His Holiness the fifth Dalai Lama.
The chief guest at the ceremony Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, accompanied by Kalon Choekyong Wangchuk, Department of Health, Other dignitaries at the ceremony include Mr Kargyu Dhondup, Chief Justice Commissioner, Justice Commissioners: Ngawang Choedak Choetri Tengpa and Dr Ngawang Rabgyal, Secretaries of various departments of the Central Tibetan Administration and Tibetan Parliamentarians.
In his inaugural address to the gathering comprising of Tibetan doctors, astrologers and students, Sikyong Dr Lobsang urged them to strive towards delivering quality healthcare service with morals of compassion and altruism. He urged the institute to work towards keeping its legacy alive to continue to serve humanity.
In his address to the gathering comprising of Tibetan doctors, astrologers and students, Sangay urged them to strive towards quality alternative healthcare products and treating patients with compassion and care.
"We must not forget the aims and intentions of the founding members of the institution when they first started their work in preserving our traditional medical system as per His Holiness’s wishes. Keeping that in mind, doctors and staff currently working must work with same dedication, compassion and spirit of altruism. if we do that it would add to the already improving healthcare system.”
PM Sangay recalled the institute’s early exile history after it was re-established in Dharamshala by His Holiness the Dalai Lama 56 years ago with only one doctor and four students and it’s growth today to 697 employees and students combined, and 55 branch clinics in India and Nepal.
“It is said that the doctors, staff and teachers of this institution are the best with best academic qualities. Hence it is imperative that we must preserve this precious institution,” said the PM.
Speaking at the inauguration, Health Kalon Choekyong Wangchuk acknowledged the immense work done by the institute and the success it had achieved in the last 101 years.The mentsee khang should continue to serve the health care needs of the Tibetan community with the joint efforts of traditional Tibetan medicine and western medicine, he said.
Kalon Choekyong Wangchuk stressed the need for more research work to keep it going with the time. “It should also look into the possibilities of enhancing its awareness drives by combining both the modern and traditional systems while educating the populace of schools and monasteries.”
Men-Tsee-Khang also launched books and documentation including one on Yoga and five new herbal-based products including syrups for cold and flu and dental soother.
Today the institute has grown into a premier medical institute with strength of 697 employees and students and 55 branch clinics in India and abroad.
