Thanks to the on-going funding by Bioligo, and the hard work of the Amchis, the Amchi Project is progressing well, providing much-needed medical services to patients in Leh. Two clinics have been opened, both called Rinzang Clinic, in  Skalzangling and Dargasling. One clinic is rented from a monastery, and the other from a private family. Both clinics are close to public transport links, and operate six days per week (closed Saturday).

This year the good news is that our medical students completed their final exams in April, graduating as qualified practitioners of Tibetan Medicine. This is the very first group of nuns to be trained in medicine and the first time in history that nuns in Ladakh have received medical training. A truly historic achievement! LNA is very proud of the nine nuns. The Amchi program is a six year training program which has been sponsored by the Swiss company, Bioligo. We are very thankful for their very kind support for this first group of medical students and we are also very happy that Bioligo will continue to support the next group of students.

This is an example of collaboration and cooperation between LNA and a foreign supporter, all committed to Dr Palmo's vision of education for nuns in Ladakh, enabling them to become independent Dharma practitioners and contributors to the well being of the community. The value of long-term support cannot be overestimated, as it has allowed LNA to make long-term plans and to achieve them. Bioligo's support is an excellent example of a true partnership between an international supporter and a Ladakhi organization.

In addition to their support of the nuns, Bioligo has also funded the purchase of two machines for the preparation of pills. The medical nuns have begun preparing small quantities of pills which they can prescribe to patients, ensuring that the quality is high.

In June and July all of medical nuns travelled to five different mountain areas to collect herbs. They collected many herbs to use in their ongoing work with patients. They also accompanied senior Doctors to give treatments for chronically ill patients, developing their practical skills to offer support to the community.

The most senior doctor in Ladakh, Dr Stanzin Sherab, an 80 year old practitioner, taught the nuns how to prepare medicines, passing on the tradition and his skills and experience, to the younger generation of women who are moving into new roles within Ladakh. All of the ingredients of the medicines must be blessed. Dr Sherab taught all of the important methods for the preparation of medicines.   He is one of the best known senior Tibetan doctors in Ladakh with an unsurpassed knowledge and experience in treating patients, especially those with chronic diseases. He is also expert in giving treatment through water therapy, and he has passed on these skills to the LNA nuns. As a result, the medical nuns took patients to the hot springs for one week of water therapy. The patients benefited greatly, and the medical nuns improved their range of skills.