Monks for Mongolese

1992/11/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Medikuntza

Ongolis, on drugs, although until now they imported their products from the west, are returning to the monks.

The Mongolese, on drugs, although until now imported products from the west, are returning to the monks. Formerly they were supplied with the monastery of Manba Datsans, where medicine and remedies were worked. Then, around 1930, Manba Datsans declined, allowing him to introduce Western medicine.

Now, political change has allowed us to return to traditional medical channels. A Mongolian monk, Natsagdorj Lama, begins to rebuild the Manba Datsans of Ulan Bator. However, the difference with respect to the ancient monastery is the incorporation into the curriculum of some characteristics of Western medicine.

Natsagdorj Lama studied medicine in India and says that Western doctors and Mongolese should learn from each other. “The goal is always the same, to cure the sick,” says Lama. “Knowing what kind of medicine is best is not important, but knowing what is the optimal combination between the two medicines to better treat the patient.”

In July Lama visited hospitals and medical schools in London. He said: “Although science and technology are highly developed here, machines cannot make a correct diagnosis. The relationship with the patient is essential.”

Lama wants the western doctor to come to the monastery: “We need mutual help to find the optimal combination between the roads of East and West.”