DHARAMSHALA, January 5: The Central Council of Tibetan Medicine, the apex body of all traditional Tibetan medicine practitioners in exile, commemorated its ninth founding anniversary here today followed by the election of its new executive members.

Kalon Dr Tsering Wangchuk of the Department of Health of the Central Tibetan Administration was the chief guest at the event held at Men-Tsee-Khang in the exile Tibetan headquarters. A large number of Tibetan physicians are also attending the meeting.

Kalon Wangchuk in his address appreciated the role of the Central Council of Tibetan Medicine (Tib: Che Thoe Men Pai Lhen Tsog) and ensured all help from his Department.

“The Central Council of Tibetan Medicine acts both as the Indian medical council and pharmacy council in our Tibetan society, which is very significant,” Kalon Wangchuk said.

“It is also important to have transparency in the course of work so that only recognised physicians can practise and represent the rich tradition of Sowa-Rigpa, the Tibetan medical system.”

He further ensured all the help that the Kashag and Department of Health can provide while encouraging the Council members to work keeping in mind the three principles of 14th Kashag - Unity, Innovation and Self-Reliance.

The Council, which has more than 400 members, also appointed nine new executive members on the first day of the meeting. Names for the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and General Secretary of the Council are yet to be decided.

The Central Council of Tibetan Medicine was established on January 5, 2004 in Dharamshala under the “Exile Tibetan Doctor’s Association Act – 2003”, which was passed by the 13th Assembly of the Tibetan People’s Deputies in 2003, with the final approval from His Holiness the Dalai Lama..

The Council aims to “preserve and promote the rich tradition of Sowa-Rigpa, to protect patients, public and professionals by ensuring standard medical education and trainings, and to prescribe highest standards of professional conduct, etiquette and code of ethics to be observed by the Tibetan medical practitioners.”