With the introduction of the Master Programme in Acupuncture and Moxibustion at the Faculty of Traditional Medicine, the government is now able to save millions without having to send students abroad. The programme was started in August with 15 students for its first batch.
Students were initially sent overseas in Mongolia or China, costing four million ngultrum for each student.
Sangay Wangdi, Dean of the Faculty of Traditional Medicine said, “When we can have enough human resource, we are able to provide both traditional medicine and acupuncture services to the people. We will be able to provide wellness benefits to the people as well for their physical health. Moreover, we will be able to contribute to His Majesty’s GMC vision. We might be able to help in the health and wellbeing section and we are getting ready for it.”
He added that the progamme will only enroll only three to five students from next batch.
14 students in the first cohort are those working as Drungtsho in district hospitals and the National Traditional Medicine Hospital, and one is from the Central Monastic Body.
The programme is being taught by Drungtsho who are specialized in acupuncture and moxibustion.
They say such programme is helpful for the progression of their career and also the development of acupuncture service in the country.
Choki Wangmo, a student said, “Acupuncture and moxibustion is an international method. I am proud of myself for being able to learn such method. After learning, we will be able to treat patients better with both the traditional medicine and acupuncture practice.”
Damchoe Wangchuk, another student said, “The acupuncture service is only available in the capital currently and not in other districts. People have to come to the capital for the service, after I am done with the programme I will return to my district. There are patients who need acupuncture as it is similar to our traditional medicine. This will benefit the patients a lot. ”
This master’s programme is not only an academic milestone for traditional medicine, but also a step forward in strengthening the nation’s health system.
Singye Dema
Edited by Tshering Zam
