Department of Health Set to Provide Free Medical Service to Devotees at Kalachakra

In the run up to the 34th Kalachakra initiation by His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Bodh Gaya from 2 – 14 January 2017, The Department of Health, CTA has delegated over 60 health staff including 30 nurses, seven doctors and six ambulances to deliver immediate healthcare for the incoming devotees.

Staff of DoH providing free drugs and diagnostic service to the devotees at the camp

Speaking to Tibet.net, Mr Choekyong Wangchuk, Kalon for Department of Health said the department has introduced four pilot initiatives in Bodh Gaya focussed on promoting preventive health care and awareness among public; free diagnosis and curative measures; promotion of Tibetan Medicare System; cleanliness drive in and around Bodh Gaya.

As told by the Health Kalon, the department has set up free medical camps at four different places in Bodh Gaya to deliver in-time care to all those seeking medical help. The four camps are set up at the Tibetan Reception Centre, Tibetan campsite at Magath University, for destitute and monks at the Kargyu Monlam Chenmo and for general public near the Kalachakra Teaching ground.

The main medical camp near the Kalachakra teaching ground started operating from 29 December and the staff has been enthusiastically providing care to the throngs of devotees coming in day after day. Over 1371 patients have benefited from the service at the main camp said Secretary Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi, Department of Health, CTA.

An intensified community awareness campaign on disease control and healthy lifestyle will be carried o

Patients consulting a Doctor at the medical camp, Bodh gaya

ut through a fleet of health staff and nurses, who will perform a door-to-door reach out at the tent site in Magath University and distribute pamphlets and free masks to devotees attending the teachings.

The fourth initiative, environment cleanliness drive is being led by the Settlement Office of Dharamshala in collaboration with total of 300 volunteers including 250 members of Youth Buddhist Society of India, 30 students of Sarah Tibetan College, 70 from Banaras Hindu University and 30 members from a Taiwanese organisation.

The Department of Health is also spearheading a free anti-pollution masks distribution exercise in and around Bodh Gaya to protect the devotees against pollution and fog. The exercise is accompanied by dissemination of key messages through placards and pamphlets on reducing pollution and preventing diseases.

In case of severe medical emergencies, the Department of Health has sought the assistance of Gaya Government Hospital and Abhay Institute of Medical Services Gaya (AIMS). The authorities have assented to provide all help and service in such cases. The AIMS hospital in Gaya will provide a 20 – 30 per cent subsidy in case of emergency treatment.

DoH spreads messages of hygiene and care at the kalachakra venue

In total 9 ambulances are stationed in and around Bodh Gaya, with six ambulances organised by the health department, two contributed by the Ngari Chithun Association and one by Tibet Charity.

One ambulance with advanced life support and two doctors has been stationed at the teaching ground.

Emergency contacts will be released shortly.