Dharamshala: — Exile Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute (TMAI) has launched an out-reach and support program towards the Men-Tsee-Khang in Lhasa, capital of Tibet to celebrate its centenary in 2016 since its establishment in the year 1916.
"To mark 100 years of the Lhasa Men-Tsee-Khang, the Men-Tsee-Khang in exile will launch an extensive program from 23 March 2016 to re-establish the Lhasa Men-Tsee-Khang's legacy as the central institute of Tibetan medicine in the service of humanity," Tashi Tsering Phuri, Director, TMAI, told reporters, during a press conference held on Friday, July 19.
The TMAI "makes contribution to the tune of three-six millions rupees each year to the Central Tibetan Administration towards its efforts on culture, education, rehabilitation and health," he added.
After Chinese occupation of Tibet, "Tibetan medicine and other unique of our culture and way of life, were facing massive destruction in hands of the Community Chinese. Chagpori Medicine College, which was established by the Great 5th Dalai lama in 1696 was completely destroyed during the onslaught of Communist China," he added.
"Lhasa Men-Tsee-Khang which was established by the Great 13th Dalai Lama in 1916 had also been a target of the communist Chinese, was saved during the Chinese occupation of Tibet and later spared by news coverage of journalist from Hong Kong. However, many great doctors were imprisoned for 14-17 years," he said two of them were Personal Physicians to His His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
"We will tour several cities in both India and abroad to celebrate the centenary of the Lhasa Mentseekhang. The proceeds from these tours will be sent to support the Mentseekhang in Lhasa. Moreover, all the staff of the institute will contribute 100 hours of their salary towards the support program" he further elaborated.
Tsering Phuri said "the year 2016 will be watershed year in the history of Men-Tsee-Khang" to celebrate our its centenary. Members and staff of the TMAI will visit several cities, both in India and abroad from March 23, 2013.
Tsering Phuri also spoke about how Men-Tsee-Khang was re-established by His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama in exile on March 23, 1961. He read an insightful quote from His Holiness, "Mankind needs a healthy mind and a healthy body. And in both areas, we Tibetans can contribute substantially, although we ourselves lives as refugees."
"Under the charitable program, Tibetan seniors above the age of 65, Poor and Needy, Recent new arrivals from Tibet. monks and nuns , students, staff on community sevices,receive full or concessional medical care," he said.
"The needy non-Tibetan patients in different clinics also receive concessional at the discretion of our respective branch in-charges. For the present accounting year, our spending on charity patients is over 22 million Rupees. This also includes Free Medical Camps for the benefit of those who attend to the teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama," Tsering Phuri stated.
"A few of our branches have been established with support from a few individuals, who not only have the means and heart to support, but they themselves had good experience with Tibetan medicine," he added.
According the Men-Tsee-Khang, it is a full-fledged Institute with a work force of 397 (116 doctors, 17 astrologers, 264 staff) employees and has 54 branch medical clinics in India. The main objective of the institution is categorized to preserve, promote and practice the ancient Tibetan system of medicine, astronomy and astrology.
