November 3, 2026: Health Kalon (Minister) Pema Tso arrived at the HunsurRabgyaling Tibetan Settlement at 6:30 PM. She was accorded a warm official reception by local dignitaries, including the Settlement Officer, Local Assembly Chair, Former MP, hospital directors, monastic administrators, and local staff. On the morning of November 4, Kalon Padma Tso began her engagements at the local branch of Mentsee Khang (Tibetan Medical and Astro. Institute). After reviewing patient data and clinical expenses, she advised the administration to digitize their medical records to streamline coordination with the central headquarters in Dharamshala.
The Kalon then inspected the Department of Health (DoHe) Primary Health Centre. The administrator provided a comprehensive briefing on local public health metrics, highlighting cases of Hepatitis, HIV, and mental health challenges largely tied to domestic issues. The administrator also reported that enrolment in the Tibetan Medicare System (TMS) for the current year had successfully exceeded the projections. Kalon Pema Tso commended the medical staff for their continued dedication, specifically directing them to ensure compassionate patient care and to initiate regular home visits for solitary and bedridden elders who cannot travel to the clinic.
During an address to the local staff, the Health Kalon highlighted the critical and deteriorating situation inside Tibet, particularly China’s aggressive assimilation policies aimed at eradicating Tibetan religion and culture. Aligning with the CTA’s recent “Tibetan Identity Preservation Week” and the counsel of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, she urged the community to fiercely protect their heritage. She mandated the prominent use of the Tibetan language on hospital signage and in daily communications, while also sharing updates on a new central health policy currently being drafted by an advisory committee.
The Kalon’s itinerary also included a visit to the Sambhota Day School, where she spoke to students and educators about the vital importance of preserving their linguistic and cultural identity while pursuing modern education to serve the Tibetan cause.
In the afternoon, the Kalon paid a heartfelt visit to the Old Age Home, taking the time to interact personally with each elder resident. She concluded her tour with inspections of Gyudmed Monastery’s Shi-de Hospital and the Dzongchoe Clinic, where administrators expressed deep gratitude for the DoHe’s ongoing support and requested continued medical assistance for the monastic community.
