Men-Tsee-Khang turns 45

The Men-Tsee-Khang celebrated its 45th founding anniversary here at the Men-Tsee-Khang hall on 23rd March 2006. The Health Secretary Mr. Tenpa Samkhar was the chief guest. The Men-Tsee-Khang Governing Body members were other distinguish guests who also made their presence on the occasion. A strong attendance of more than 200 staff members of the Dharamsala based headquarters and the two branch clinics attended the function.

The anniversary ceremony started as usual with prayers to Medicine Buddha followed by serving of traditional Tibetan butter tea and sweetened rice as an august gathering. The Director Dr Dawa gave introductory speech of the day and also gave speech on the achievements Men-Tsee-Khang has made over the past 45 years. In adherance to its policy, he mentioned, Men-Tsee-Khang gave free education to 230 students with 46 medical and 12 astrology students still studying at the Tibetan Medical & Astro. College. From 1999-2006, Men-Tsee-Khang gave an average of 8.48 million rupees worth free/concession medications to poor, monks & nuns, students, new arrivals for the period of six months, and staffs of Men-Tsee-Khang & CTA. As per rules and regulations, during the aforementioned period, Men-Tsee-Khang gave an average of 4.45 million rupees equivalent to 15 per cent of its total profit. Most importantly, he said, the Pharmaceutical Department must undertake Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) that meets western standard. Though Men-Tsee-Khang has its own unique methods of medicine preparation yet on the other hand it is equally important to maintian standard GMP methods to make sure nothing goes wrong. He also hopes that the years to come shall witness many chances in the form of Tibetan medicine scientifically to meet global standard, which is also the wishes of His Holiness the Dalai Lama as well.

Later the Chief Guest Mr. Tenpa Samkhar, Secretary of the Department of Health, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), gave very entertaining speech to all. He categorically emphasised importance on the continuation of traditional Tibetan diagnostic procedures. Dwelling on such methods, he said, “I am generalising in a wishy washy way”, to remind on the importance of such practices including dietary & behaviour advises that he believed the “message has to go right down to the public” through continuous public talks. He later felicitated four staff members for their dedicated services to human kind and gave away certificates in appreciation of their devotions for 30 years and 20 years services along with cash prizes. He also gave away prizes to meritorous students who stood first, second and third positions in medical & astrological exams. The two captains were also felicitated for their contribution.

The function ended with a note of thanks from the Dy. Director Dr Tsewang Tamdin. Acknowledging the present situation, Dr Tamdin said that Men-Tsee-Khang has been organising many medical camps and lectures all over and especially advises on diatery and behaviour regimens were very often talked about by doctors. He also gave very assuring speech on the development of the Men-Tsee-Khang and thanked all the guests and especially to the Health Secretary Mr. Samkhar for his inspirational speech and of course for his presence on the occasion.

As usual the function ended with very high spirit with prayers offered to the Medicine Buddhas.