For the first time in the country, around 40 Lams are undergoing palliative care training in Thimphu. Palliative care is a specialised approach to improve the quality of life of patients with lifelong illnesses such as cancer. Participants are trained by medical personnel and the three Lopens from the Central Monastic Body.
Along with palliative care, the participants will also be trained in astrology and conducting rituals. The aim of the training according to the organisers is to improve the service delivery to the public.
“As a monk, we have to provide public services such as conducting various rituals in good times as well as bad times. So to improve our services and benefit the public, we arranged this training with support from the palliative care team of the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital,” said Damcho Gyeltshen, the Chairman for Thimphu Social Service with the Zhung Dratshang.
Lams from Thimphu, Paro, Chhukha and Haa are taking part in the programme. The training ends tomorrow. Similar training will also be conducted in other dzongkhags.
Kinzang Lhadon
