For the past 14 years the patients going to Chandigarh have been helped by various volunteers. However, there is a overwhelming need for a more structured approach to the patients requirements and so the Trust was established.

The main purpose of the trust is to collect money to buy a hostel, equip it, and to then administer it. They also want to have one room specially fitted out for patients requiring intensive care and another room for a Lha-Khang. Education on how to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis will also be offered. It is envisaged that a fund of money will be built up to help pay for the treatment and medication of the very poor and needy patients.

In future we plan to establish a branch of Sangye Menla Trust in other cities, such as Kolkata and Banglore. This is because these cities have a large poor and needy Tibetan population.

Recently, after a long search, we found a property that we are now renting. We have converted it into a hostel for patients and staff. Our concern though is the cost of the monthly rent (Rs. 28,000 per month) and also being at the mercy of the landlord. We have an option to purchase the property for a reduced rate of Rs. 70 lac, which we intend to do as and when the funds are available.

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The trust has 7 staff at present who are all volunteers. Although we do not pay them we are still obliged to provide accommodation and food. This, along with the monthly rent, leaves us with very little money to build up a medical fund. This fund is required to pay for treatment and medicines for patients that cannot afford them.

We have found, from past experience, that this is extremely important, as we do not intend to turn anyone away.

Our immediate financial requirements are as follows:

• Building and land purchase – Rs. 70 lac
• Monthly expenditure (rent, staff food, etc.) - Rs. 39,000 per month
• Medical Fund – Rs. 1 lac (This is to get the fund started. We will continually add to the fund)