Karuna Charitable Hospital

The 50 Bed Mahabodhi Karuna Charitable hospital is up and running with ophthalmologic, dental, and surgery wings. The modern equipment and spotless facilities set new standards for health care in this region. With its geographical isolation and harsh climate, Ladakh has long suffered from inadequate medical and health care facilities. Two small government hospitals at Leh and Kargil are badly overcrowded, and residents of remote villages may never see a doctor in their lives. Medical training facilities are non-existent. In an ambitious attempt to remedy this situation, work began on our charitable hospital in 1996. While still in the formative stages, the hospital and its mobile health clinic have treated many thousands of patients for eye disease and other ailments. 2001 was a landmark year, with the commencement of general surgery. Over the summer, some 30 operations were performed by Dr. Tsering Norbu, who joined our staff after retiring from a 36-year-long service at the government hospital in Leh. Abdominal surgery, especially removal of gall stones and hernias, has been in highest demand. Some orthopedic work and tumor removal have also been carried out. At the moment surgery is limited by the freezing winter conditions to a period of less than six months, but once central heating is installed (hopefully in 2002) the operating theater should be able to run year round.

Free Medical Camps

Intensive medical camps have proven to be the most effective way of treating large numbers of patients in remote areas, and we are indebted to volunteer doctors from around the world for their aid. In 2000, despite political upheaval in Zanskar, 152 eye operations were performed within a few days’ time with the help of doctors from Nepal and the Netherlands (Eye Care Himalaya). In 2001 the eye camp was held in Kargil. Despite heavy artillery fire in the days leading up to the camp, 115 major eye operations were conducted using the modern technique of lens insertion. In addition, 1500 patients were treated for eye ailments. Other camps have been conducted by German dentists (from Hilfswerk Deutscher Zahaerzte) and acupuncturists from Korea and the US. During a dental camp in 2000, 15 Amchis (local doctors) were given training and all equipment necessary for dental cleaning and extraction. During a two week acupuncture clinic more than 1000 patients were treated by the Korean doctors.

Doctor Phuntsog, Director of Mahabodhi Karuna Hospital, examining a patient during a recent Free eye Operation Camp.

Surgeon from the Netherlands performing an eye operation at the Free Eye Operation Camp.

Mobile Health Clinic

There are no adequate medical facilities available to the villages in the valleys between high mountains in Ladakh. A mobile health clinic is the only practical means of providing medical services for these villages. The mobile health clinic is a fully-equipped bus-sized ambulance that brings modern medical services regularly to the villages. The clinic also undertakes preventive medical measures and health education. The medical team renders social service by distributing clothing, blankets and other necessities. Emergency financial assistance, when possible, is offered to the needy.

Now we have an ambulance donated by the Project Department of Cardinal Leger, Canada.

Health Education Program

Many pregnant women and children die in Ladakh due to the lack of health education. Sex and pregnancy are taboo topics and young women who find themselves pregnant often have no idea how to deal with it. The aim of MIMC is to eradicate ignorance by educating the villagers using slides and charts about scientific contraceptive measures and pertinent health-related education. In summer 2002 a gynecologist was hired on at the hospital, and now many pregnant women are seeking health care at our facility.

Villagers listening attentively to a health education talk given by the Mahabodhi Mobile Health Clinic.

Common Medical Conditions in Ladakh

Aims and Objectives of Mahabodhi Karuna Hospital

The charitable hospital will provide free treatment as far as possible, using an integrated system of Western-style medical care and traditional Tibetan Amchi treatment along with other spiritual considerations such as yoga and meditation therapies.

Funding

The bulk of the funds for construction of the hospital was donated by Ven. Park Chung Soo of South Korea, a compassionate and generous Mother. Yet the longest journey starts now – We need more funds to reach our goal. We welcome your generous donation.