In order to identify ways to support medical aid to the Tibetan refugees in India, Nepal and neighboring countries, we made a field survey of the diseases and medical programs in all the refugees camps by inspecting medical facilities, gathering information from the staff and by referring to materials provided to us. Until recently, there were no accurate data on the disease situation. However, at present the percentage of people suffering from tuberculosis (Tb) is at its highest and Tb is also the major cause of death in the refugee society. About 300 new Tb patients are identified each year. The second most common disease is ailments of the digestive system. Diabetes mellitus is hardly ever recognized, but diseases of the thyroid gland, such as hypothyroidism in particular, are sometimes recognized. AIDS has not been identified in the camps, but close attentions are being paid to identification and prevention. Malnutrition accounts for 40% of deaths of children under five years of age and infant mortality is 162 per 1000. To improve the medical situation, the problems related to public hygiene and the environment in all the refugee camps have been addressed through the following three programs: I) Curative Services; II) Training and Planning Services; and III) Prevention, Promotion and Rehabilitation Services. Each program includes several projects. Accurate data on the m situation of Tibetan refugees must necessarily come from the refugees themselves and such data are now being collected.

India diseases Medical situation Tibetan refugees

Short Survey Chinese refugee education program health care planning environmental sanitation India health promotion health care policy human Hypothyroidism thyroid disease rehabilitation tuberculosis socioeconomics medical education digestive system function disorder major clinical study Infant Mortality malnutrition health care facility cause of death acquired immune deficiency syndrome health survey