Monk-doctors fill medical, spiritual needs
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E-mail China Daily, May 8, 2013
He added the economic situations in different monasteries differ, so that some can sponsor students to develop into qualified doctors, and some cannot. But many monk-doctors began practicing even before they finish their studies because of personal reasons or economic difficulties.
"This is irresponsible to society, a sin, and running against the teaching of Tibetan medical science," he said.
"The good news is that the government has favorable policies to support prospective students' learning and our hospitals are providing more training opportunities to them."
Local health departments also have conducted regular checks in the clinics as the monks provide services to a sprawling group.
Norbu said his office examines monk-doctors' behavior, prescriptions, drug qualities, licenses and health conditions and service standards routinely.
He added that health departments have carried out a plan to train more Tibetan doctors, including Tibetan monk-doctors.
"Monk-doctors will never go away despite development in science. But we need time to gradually help them recover their glory."
Dorje Chodrak, an intern in the clinic, said Tibetan medical science is well known to the world and he hopes he can inherit it to serve the public.
"I don't have big dreams. All I want is to use what I learned to help others," he said.
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