Men-Tsee-Khang held the official handing-over and taking-over ceremony today between the outgoing Director, Mr. Sonam Sangpo, Additional Secretary of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), and the newly appointed Director, Mrs. Tsering Choezom, Secretary of the Central Tibetan Administration, at the College Hall of Men-Tsee-Khang, Dharamsala. The ceremony took place in the presence of Mr. Jhampa Phuntsok, Health Secretary of the CTA, who served as the chief witness, along with the leadership, staff and students of the Men-Tsee-Khang Head office.

The handing-over process was conducted as part of a four-day program held from 17-20 June 2026. The program included the signing of official handover documents, introductions to the staff, and visits to various departments, the Dharamsala branch clinics, and Chauntra to familiarize the new Director with the institute’s activities and operations.

Prior to the ceremony, the members of the Executive Committee and heads of departments and sections gathered at the Director’s office to offer khatas to welcome the incoming director and bid farewell to the outgoing Director.

The gathering then proceeded to the College Hall, where staff and students had assembled. The ceremony began with the lighting of butter lamps and offering of khatas at the altar by the Health Secretary, the incoming Director, and the outgoing Director. A prayer ceremony was also conducted to invoke auspiciousness.

In his address, the Outgoing Director, Sonam Sangpo, provided a brief overview of the Institute’s current staffing, expenditures, and other administrative matters. He expressed his gratitude for the cooperation he had received and encouraged all the staff members to extend the same support and assistance to the new Director.

The newly appointed Director, Mrs. Tsering Choezom, shared her observations and experience from the introductory visits and emphasized the importance of collective cooperation and commitment in carrying forward the institute’s future initiatives.

Mr. Jampa Phuntsok, Health Secretary of the CTA, then delivered his remarks, introducing the new Director and regarding the formal completion of the handover process.

The ceremony concluded with a vote-of thanks delivered by the Cultural Director, Dr. Tsering Norbu and presented a token of appreciation to the Health Secretary and the Outgoing Director. The gathering ended with prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the flourishing of Tibetan medicine and astrology. Staff Members then offered khatas to bid farewell to the outgoing Director and warmly welcome the new Director.