Mr. Thupten Tsering, Additional Secretary of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), completed his 4-year tenure as Director of the Men-Tsee-Khang on 12 February 2026. Mr. Sonam Sangpo, also an Additional Secretary, CTA, has assumed the position.
A Handing and taking-over ceremony between the two Directors was held yesterday at the Men-Tsee-Khang College Hall in the presence of Mr. Jhampa Phuntsok, Health Secretary, CTA, along with the leadership, staff and students of the Men-Tsee-Khang Head office.

Prior to the ceremony, the formal signing of the handing-over documents took place in the Administration Board room in the presence of Health Secretary as key witness, along with Men-Tsee-Khang’s Culture Director and General Secretary. This was followed by members of Executive Committee and heads of departments and sections offering khatas to welcome the incoming director and bid farewell to the outgoing Director.
The gathering then moved to the College Hall, where staff and students assembled. The ceremony began with the lighting of butter lamps and offering of scarves 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, Thupten Tsering, outlined the major initiatives of the Institute during his tenure and encouraged the leadership and staff to continue working with dedication for the Institute’s growth.
The new Director, Sonam Sangpo, emphasized the importance of diligence and collective responsibility, urged students to study sincerely to preserve and promote the traditional knowledge of Tibetan medical science.
In his keynote address, Health Secretary Jhampa Phuntsok commended the work ethic of the outgoing Director and encouraged the staff to carry forward his efforts to even greater heights through committed service.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Culture Director Dr. Tsering Norbu, followed by a greeting ceremony with staff and students of Men-Tsee-Khang.