Tibet Medical Treatments & Hospitals
Health care in Tibet has improved a lot in recent years. There are hospitals and clinics at every level, from the regional hospitals in Lhasa to county hospitals and village clinics.
The Tibetan Traditional Hospital — Mentsekhang
The Mentsekhang was founded in 1916 by the 13th Dalai Lama as a school of Tibetan medicine and astrology. In 1959 it was merged with the old medical college on Chakpori Hill. Its clinic is on Barkhor Street, west of the Jokhang Temple.
Inside you can see medical thangkas: paintings that teach Tibetan medicine, from the history of the tradition to anatomy, treatments and diet. They are still used to teach students today.
Did you know? Tibetan medicine grew from several traditions. Chinese medical texts reached Tibet with Princess Wencheng in the 7th century, and Tibetan doctors also learned from India. Today it is still widely used in Tibet alongside Western medicine.
Major Hospitals in Lhasa
Hospitals in Lhasa have the usual departments, such as internal medicine, surgery, dentistry and emergency care. Some combine Tibetan, Chinese and Western medicine. The main hospitals are:
| Hospital | What it is | Where |
|---|---|---|
| People’s Hospital of the Tibet Autonomous Region | The largest and best-equipped hospital in Tibet | Central Lhasa |
| Second People’s Hospital of the TAR | General hospital with modern equipment | Lhasa |
| Lhasa People’s Hospital | City hospital | Lhasa |
| General Hospital of the Tibet Military Region | Military hospital with emergency care | Lhasa |
| Mentsekhang (Tibetan Traditional Hospital) | Traditional Tibetan medicine | Barkhor Street, near the Jokhang Temple |
Remote Areas — Be Prepared
Hospitals in remote counties are much more basic than those in Lhasa, and in the mountains there may be no medical help for many hours. If you visit remote areas, especially Ngari, Mount Kailash or anywhere above 4,500 m, carry your own medicines and a good first aid kit.
Travel insurance is essential. Medical evacuation from Tibet can be very expensive. Buy insurance that covers high altitude (up to at least 5,700 m if you do the Kailash kora), emergency treatment and evacuation.
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