Mentsekhang which literally named as Tibetan Traditional Hospital in English was established in year 1916 by the Thirteenth Dalai Lama. It used to be a regional government teaching venue in which Tibetan doctors and astronomers were trained. Mentsekhang had been merged with another medical college that formerly situated on the Chakpori Hill in year 1959 under the instruction of government. Thus, the Tibetan Traditional Hospital and its associated Tibetan Medical Factory were founded. The clinic of the hospital was situated at Barkhor Street, slightly to the west of Jokhang Temple. The hospital had encountered a large expansion in year 1980 in which Mentsekhang had therefore turned to be a center of treatment, training, research as well as the venue of production for Tibetan medicine. The whole area of the hospital has covered 40000 square meters with over 450 staffs. Moreover, Mentsekhang is also served as the largest Tibetan Traditional Hospital throughout Tibet. With the aid of modern technology in manufacturing, the Tibetan Medical Factory which is also the largest one in Tibet produces over 350 types of medicines in which most of them are famous both nationally and abroad.
The Tibetan doctors believe that people’s body will change with seasons. Thus, they need observe the changes of stars, clouds, winds, lakes and even birds when performing medical research. In other word, Tibetan medical has a very close relationship with the Tibetan calendar. For this reason, Mentsekhang used to be a training center for the astronomy and calendar calculation as well. On top of that, Mentsekhang is also famous with its special medical departments for brain blood vessels, orthopedics, pediatrics, internal medicine and surgery.
The Tibetan medical theory is portrayed on Thangkas as a teaching tool. For this reason, numerous Thangkas can be found hanging on the walls of the hospital. These Thangkas contain the Tibetan medicinal knowledge in all of its aspects, from the beginning of Tibetan medicine, to pictures of human anatomy, to methods of treatments, dietetics and acupuncture. The medical Thangkas depict them with succinct pictures and brief words. By observing the exhibition of special tools and appliances, you will gain a clear understanding of Tibetan medicine.