Health Kalon, Mr. Choekyong Wangchuk accompanied by South Zone Chief Representative Mr. Chophel Thupten and Joint Secretary of the Health Department, Mr. Jampa Phuntsok concluded the tour of Mundgod, Mangalore, Bylakuppe and Hunsur in South India.
In Mangalore, besides paying courtesy call to the Vice chancellor and the Principal of NITTE University and the Vice Chairman along with the Director and the Principal of Shreedevi Institute, Health Kalon from 22 -23 November had interactions with Tibetan students mainly pursuing medical courses. First interaction was held at NITTE (a Deemed to be University) auditorium where around 100 Tibetan students including students from Manipal took part and the second meeting of around 80 Tibetan students studying in colleges like MV Shetty and Zulekha etc. was organized at Sree Devi Institute.
In both the gathering, Kalon highlighted the health status of Tibetans in exile and Central Tibetan Administration’s efforts and health services. He also
advised students to do their study well and after completion they must give their service to the Tibetan community. Students at both the places expressed their pleasure over such exercises and students from Manipal, Udupi requested similar gathering in their University in future.
On 23 evening, Health Kalon was received at Lugsum office by the Tibetan officials, representative of monasteries and NGOs based in Bylakuppe. Next day, a meeting of Local Health Committee was held at Tso jhe Hospital. Matter pertaining to the activities of Tso jhe Hospital and local health issues were discussed. In-charge of Sera Jey, Sera Mey and Namdroling hospitals were also present in the meeting.
After the meeting, Health Kalon took a round of Tso jhe hospital followed by Delar playground and Open Gym, Cauvery water filter projects and DoHealth project of new hand pump at the Settlement Palace (Phodrang). He inaugurated the Open Gym of the Lugsam settlement and in the evening held meeting with the Tso jhe hospital staffs. He also visited the Bylakuppe Old Age Home, where Department of Health project of overhead water tank was accomplished recently.
On 25th, the Kalon made a visit to Tso jhe Hospital TB ward where with the help of Vimala Association, new tin shed is being built on the existing structure.
Next day, Health Kalon visited Hunsur Tibetan settlement and had a meeting with Local Tibetan Health Committee, followed by
an interaction with all the medical and non-medical staffs of the hospital and visit to TMAI branch clinic. Thereafter, he visited those spots where projects of installing open gym and building urinals for players are proposed. He also took a stock of water conservation sites in the locality.
On 27thNovember, Health Kalon met Mr. Jawaid Akhtar (IAS), Principal Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, and apprised him of requisition made earlier for the state government’s support to the DoH health facilities in Tibetan settlements in Karnataka State.