An audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama during Patient Care Trust’s camp for the top 21 doctors and administrators from three major supporting institutions of PCT since 2012 including AIIMS-Delhi, Safdarjung, and NITRD-Delhi, and the PCT Director, September 2023.

In 2024, the FPMT Social Services Fund, driven by a commitment to compassion to others, made a significant impact by allocating over US$501,284 to support various initiatives in India, Nepal and Mongolia. Dedicated to improving the lives of those in need, the fund focuses on vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, the sick, and the extremely poor. By providing grants for essential resources such as hospitals, health clinics, soup kitchens, substance abuse, and medical training and education. The fund supports local Indian, Tibetan, Nepali, and Mongolian communities. Through these efforts, the FPMT Social Services Fund continues its mission to alleviate suffering and foster positive change, enhancing the overall well-being of the world’s most vulnerable populations.

Shakyamuni Health Clinic | Maitri Charitable Trust | Lamp of the Path | Patient Care Trust | Tibetan Heart Foundation | Rewa Youth Center | Integrated Indigenous Tribal Children Ministry of India | Karuna Hospital | How to Help

Special day of programs on women’s health issues at Shakyamuni Health Clinic.

Shakyamuni Health Clinic, a vital initiative of Root Institute for Wisdom Culture, has made impressive strides in improving healthcare accessibility in rural Bihar, India, as detailed in its 2023 impact report. Located in Bodhgaya, the clinic expanded its services significantly, seeing 34,095 patients in total —an 8% increase over the previous year. This achievement is particularly remarkable in a region where 88% of the population lives in underserved rural areas.

A key feature of Shakyamuni Health Clinic is its mobile clinic, which visited local villages 8,671 times in the last year. The clinic provides essential services such as medical tests, medication, and follow-ups. In addition, the clinic added dental services in April, providing 256 consultations despite only being open twice a month. The hope is to increase the frequency of dental care in 2024. Physiotherapy also remains a cornerstone of the clinic’s work, with 3,022 sessions conducted this year, helping patients—especially children with cerebral palsy—regain mobility and improve their quality of life.

The health clinic takes a holistic approach to care, offering allopathic, homeopathic, acupuncture, and physiotherapy treatments. A new allopathic nurse recently joined the staff, enhancing the clinic’s ability to provide comprehensive care. Moreover, educational workshops were held for adolescents at the Maitreya Universal Education School, promoting better health awareness among the youth.

Infrastructure improvements, including dental clinic upgrades and repainting the clinic, were made possible through generous donations. In 2024 the Social Services Fund contributed US$29,400, helping sustain the clinic’s operations.

Patient at a deformities camp in Imamganj.

Maitri Charitable Trust is dedicated to providing essential humanitarian services in India, focusing on healthcare, education, and social welfare for underserved communities. The trust’s initiatives encompass leprosy treatment, maternal and child health programs, animal welfare, and education for marginalized groups. Guided by compassion and Buddhist principles, Maitri’s efforts offer hope and significantly improve the quality of life for thousands in need.

The rising cost of living has heavily impacted the communities served by Maitri, leading to increased financial strain and a surge in patient attendance at their clinics. In response, staff salaries were raised to reflect the challenging environment. Despite these economic pressures, their commitment to primary healthcare remains unwavering. However, the treatment of leprosy and tuberculosis (TB) has not yet met the necessary standards for control or elimination. Maitri has intensified efforts to detect and follow up on new cases, addressing these pressing public health concerns.

Key initiatives included identifying and managing 360 new TB cases, collecting 180 sputum samples for analysis, and extending assistance to 101 under-treatment patients through monthly food rations. An Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) program raised awareness about TB across 1,052 villages. In leprosy care, 540 new cases were registered, and the Prevention of Deformities (POD) program was implemented. Awareness efforts reached 1,741 villages through community outreach and educational initiatives.

The FPMT Social Service Fund has offered US$68,600 in annual support to further bolster their initiatives in 2024.

Lamp of the Path (LOP) NGO, under FPMT Mongolia, has been a cornerstone of community service in the Amgalan ger district of Ulaanbaatar for twenty years. Operating since 2003, their soup kitchen serves 40-50 meals daily to the homeless and those struggling with alcoholism. In 2023, it provided 10,052 meals, creating a supportive and caring environment. Monthly health check-ups are conducted in collaboration with local and international medical teams, and the program also includes alcohol abuse counseling and psychological support. LOP distributes warm clothing to families and individuals, especially during the harsh winter months.

The organization grows vegetables in two greenhouses and a large garden, producing 1,301 kilograms (2,868 pounds) of vegetables last year. These are used in the soup kitchen, sold to generate funds, and distributed to needy families. The Meals on Wheels program delivers meals to 21 people in 9 families who are unable to visit the soup kitchen due to age, disability, or illness. Launched in 2023, the Children’s Program offers weekly classes on Buddhadharma, life skills, and cultural heritage to children aged 6-14. The program includes field trips and special events.

Significant upgrades were made to the LOP facilities, including a new water well, a vegetable storage unit, and a garage for the food delivery vehicle. Looking ahead, LOP expanded its services in 2024, including enhancing the Soup Kitchen and Children’s Program, and exploring new partnerships to support the community further. For instance in 2023, they have revitalized links with Alcoholic Anonymous outreach workers and initiated collaborations with organizations like the Mongolian Quilting Center and OneSky Mongolia to provide training and support to single mothers and caregivers.

Support from the Social Services Fund, amounting to US$39,200, has been instrumental in sustaining all these initiatives.

Beneficiaries of the Lamp of the Path Soup Kitchen enjoying their daily lunch.

Patient Care Trust (PCT), an NGO operating primarily in Northern India, is dedicated to providing essential healthcare services to the Tibetan community in exile. The organization focuses on supporting the ordained Sangha, elderly Tibetans, and delivering crucial social services. 

One of PCT’s notable achievements is the organization of free medical camps in collaboration with leading government hospitals such as AIIMS-Delhi, Safdarjung, and NITRD. These camps provide in-person diagnostics, minor surgeries, and preventative care to vulnerable Tibetans, particularly in remote areas like Dharamsala and Bodhgaya. To date, PCT has conducted nine medical camps, reaching hundreds of individuals and offering life-saving care.

In addition to medical camps, PCT addresses critical medical emergencies by referring patients to top hospitals, significantly reducing costs by 80-90% compared to private healthcare. Since 2020, PCT has supported over 8,500 patients, providing services ranging from life-saving surgeries to long-term treatment plans. Additionally, the NGO offers destitute aid to cover medical costs for the most impoverished patients and provides housing support for those undergoing long-term treatments in Delhi hospitals. This comprehensive approach ensures that financial and logistical challenges do not hinder access to proper care.

Looking ahead, PCT’s activities will be further strengthened by the Social Service Fund’s support of US$18,762 in 2024. 

The Tibetan Heart Foundation’s free medical camp.

Tibetan Heart Foundation is a beacon of hope, delivering comprehensive healthcare services to Tibetan settlements across India and significantly improving health outcomes for these communities. Rooted in compassion and altruism, the foundation addresses critical healthcare gaps, especially in rural areas like Bylakuppe, Hunsur, Kollegal, and the Mainpat Tibetan Settlement in Chhattisgarh.

Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to holistic and preventive healthcare, the Tibetan Heart Foundation addresses the needs of approximately 35,000 individuals annually. Its dedication to enhancing the quality of life in Tibetan communities ensures that health and well-being are prioritized for all ages and backgrounds, fostering healthier, more informed societies across these settlements.

A key initiative of the foundation is organizing free medical camps, which provide essential healthcare services and early health check-ups, thereby reducing the financial burden on patients. These camps offer a variety of medical services, including 2D Echos, ECGs, bone mineral density tests, mammography screenings, and pap smear tests. Additionally, the foundation distributes general medicines as prescribed by doctors, ensuring patients receive necessary care without financial strain.

Preventive care and health education are also central to the foundation’s mission. Their initiatives focus on educating communities about heart health and the importance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), particularly in Southern Indian settlements. By raising awareness and promoting proactive health management, the foundation empowers residents to take charge of their well-being.

The foundation also invests in educational endeavors, such as distributing CPR dummies to schools for training and conducting emergency medical training tours for students. These programs equip community members with critical skills and knowledge to manage health emergencies effectively.

Recent accomplishments of the foundation include successful free medical camps in Bylakuppe and Kollegal. In Bylakuppe, the camps served 150 individuals, primarily the elderly, providing services such as 2D Echos, ECGs, Pap smear tests, and distributing 89 free spectacles. Similarly, the Kollegal camp benefited 109 people, offering ECGs, Pap smear tests, bone mineral density checks, and breast examinations.

In 2024, the foundation received an offering of US$11,082 from the Social Services Fund to support its operations. This contribution is crucial in sustaining and expanding the foundation’s impactful work.

Ngawang Nyima, the Founder of Rewa Youth Center, offers a daily counseling group session.

Rewa Youth Center in Rajpur, Dehradun, India, is a dedicated initiative aimed at supporting Tibetan young men struggling with substance abuse. Established with the mission to provide comprehensive care and rehabilitation, the center has made significant efforts over the past years. Through a combination of innovative programs and community outreach, Rewa is committed to fostering recovery and personal growth among its patients.

In 2023-2024 the center has introduced several new programs, including one-on-one counseling, virtual therapy sessions, and enhanced staff training to better address addiction and mental health issues. Community outreach efforts have expanded as well, incorporating art therapy, yoga, and mindfulness training, which have been well-received by participants. The introduction of online counseling initiatives and a guitar luthier program exemplifies Rewa’s dedication to holistic recovery and skill development. Additionally, the center has expanded its educational offerings to include comprehensive addiction and recovery education, addressing root causes, triggers, and healthy coping mechanisms.

Another center’s notable achievements is the introduction of a food truck initiative, providing employment opportunities for those who have completed their treatment programs. Additionally, the center has organized outdoor activities and weekly sessions on Buddhist teachings to support spiritual growth. Over the past six months, 29 new participants have joined the program, and 19 individuals have graduated. Employment opportunities have been secured for several graduates too.

Overall, Rewa has successfully helped 55 people recover from addiction, achieving a 70% success rate. The center remains committed to providing quality care and ongoing support to ensure lasting recovery for its patients.

Financially, the center has utilized grants from various organizations to cover rent, utility bills, and hire experienced counselors familiar with Tibetan culture. The Social Services Fund offered US$14,240 to support their efforts.

With sincere thanks and gratitude to Italian Buddhist Union for providing grants for the above three initiatives that enabled this essential support.

IITCMI’s shelter is nearly finished, funded in part by a grant from Lama Zopa Rinpoche the Social Services Fund.

Integrated Indigenous Tribal Children Ministry of India (IITCMI) is dedicated to supporting homeless and orphaned children from indigenous and tribal communities. Their mission is to provide a safe, nurturing environment with access to basic necessities, education, and healthcare.

Karma Tashi of IITCMI offering thanks for the contribution from Lama Zopa Rinpoche toward the orphanage.

IITCMI focuses on creating stable living conditions for children who have lost their families or homes. One notable project is the construction of a shelter for these vulnerable children, which began in 2019. This initiative, supported by individual donations and a generous fund from Lama Zopa Rinpoche, aims to offer a secure living environment. Lama Zopa Rinpoche contributed US$50,000 through the Social Services Fund, substantially aiding the project. In 2024, significant progress has been made, with all necessary materials, including doors and windows, purchased and ready for setup. Electrical installation, painting, and fencing work are currently in progress, adding the finishing touches to the facility.

Despite the progress, the project has faced challenges, particularly due to recent riots in the area, which have affected the transportation and delivery of construction materials, causing delays. However, the team remains committed to overcoming these obstacles and ensuring the timely completion of the shelter.

In 2022 Lama Zopa Rinpoche met Dr. Ram Kumar Shrestha, who had just summited Mount Everest to raise funds for a much-needed catheterization laboratory or Cath lab for Nepal. Cath labs are used to treat patients with heart conditions minimally, without resorting to major surgeries or other invasive procedures and are an important part of treating heart conditions.

Catheterization laboratory

A cath lab is a procedural hospital room where minimally invasive tests and procedures are performed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease. The procedures performed in a cath lab involve tiny, flexible tubes called catheters (which is where the name is derived from). These catheters can be used as an alternative to surgery to access the heart and blood vessels.

Rinpoche was very impressed with Dr. Ram’s efforts and understanding the need for this essential medical equipment in Nepal in 2022 and 2023, Rinpoche personally began fundraising for it and committed to give US$300,000 for the cath lab.

In 2024 we were able to fulfill Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s commitment and offered US$300,000 to The Karuna Hospital in Nepal for the cath lab system. A student of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, who is a medical doctor, has also been facilitating the acquisition of the equipment at a good rate and getting it into Nepal.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the compassionate donors who generously supported the crucial projects aimed at assisting local communities in 2024. Your kindness and contributions have made a remarkable impact and are truly appreciated.

How to Help

All are welcome to offer toward the Social Services Fund, to support essential health care for those who are truly vulnerable and in need. 

The Social Services Fund, established to support Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Visions for the FPMT organization, focuses efforts primarily in India, Nepal, Tibet and Mongolia. Funds help children, the elderly, sick, and very poor.