Kalon (minister) for health, CTA, Dr Tsering Wangchuk, on Tuesday, emphasised the importance of the Tibetan medicare system (TMS) as a sustainable financing source designed to serve the healthcare needs of the entire Tibetan community-in- exile.
Wangchuk was speaking while inaugurating the three-day workshop on the system at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives.
The workshop is being organised by the department of health, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
Wangchuk said the prevention of diseases was more important than the cure and emphasised the need for creating awareness about the importance of cleanliness and hygiene for better health.
Wangchuk stressed the need to boost the capability of Tibetan medical professionals and health workers.
“Greater emphasis should be laid on Tibetan settlements located in remote areas where there is lack of access to basic healthcare facilities,” said Wangchuk.
Health secretary Sonam Choephel Shosur talked about the aims and objectives of introducing the system.
The agenda for the workshop, which will conclude on November 28 includes, 'how to enroll for the Tibetan medicare system', 'claim procedures and documentation', 'management of information system (MIS) and strategic communication. Participants in the workshop included Tibetan health workers, representatives of Tibetan settlement offices and staff from the department of health.