His Holiness the Dalai Lama left Dharamshala for the United States on January 19 in order to undergo prostate treatment and a medical checkup. He is being treated at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and is expected to make a full recovery.
A Mayo spokeswoman said in a statement, “His physicians report no major concerns, and anticipate he will respond well to treatment and make a full recovery. He is being treated for a prostate condition that is common for men of his age”.
His Holiness has been visiting the Mayo Clinic for an annual health check-up for the past nine years. In September last year he cancelled a series of appearances for his trip to the United States, on recommendation of rest by doctors at the clinic.
The Dalai Lama made a statement that the first day in hospital would merely be a complete health check-up followed by any treatment the doctors deem necessary. He told reporters at Dharamshala airport, “if they find any problems, they can carry out the treatment”. However, apart from a significant swelling in the right eye, he stated that he has no specific health complaints. He was accompanied to the airport by the Tibetan Prime Minister-in-exile, Sikyong Lobsang Sangay.
Following his check-up at the Mayo, His Holiness is scheduled to meet scientists from Wisconsin University. He will return during the second week of March to continue his regular engagement schedule. His representative in New Delhi, Mr Tempa Tsering, stated that His Holiness is in excellent health and has recently finished a month long teaching of Buddhist practices in the Tibetan settlements of Bylakuppe, South India.
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