ABOUT LHF
GALLERYIES
Background
The Ladakh Heart Foundation is a non-profit making, non political charitable trust. It was established in 1997 by Ven. Thupstan. Chogyal, a local monk. The organisation was started due to the high prevalence of cardio-vascular disease, acquired and congenital heart disease within the local community. These can be attributed to the altitude and harsh living conditions. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, who is the Patron of Ladakh Heart Foundation has very kindly donated (10,000 US dollar) which has been utilized in starting the construction work. We, at the Ladakh Heart Foundation fully realize the difficult conditions under which we have to work and intend to carry out the projects regardless of difficulties.
History of Ladakh
The district of Ladakh lies at the border with Tibet at the most eastern corner of the State of Kashmir. Placed at very high altitude this is a region with very low population. It is surrounded by the great mountain chain of Karakoram and Himalayas. It is also called "little Tibet" or "the last Shangri-la". This land shelters a millennial culture where the monasteries and the medieval temples (gompas) which keep invaluable art treasures. The true repository of an ancient knowledge, this land is one of the few places where tradition has been maintained alive until present days. Leh, the capital, has the highest airport in the world. It's almost the only way to access the area since November until May, because mountain passes are closed. During V to XV centuries, Ladakh was an independent kingdom assigned to Tibet. Little by little, due to tensions among local kings and the pressure of China over the Tibet, the relationship got worse. The dependence of Kashmir was greater and greater until Ladakh became a part of the independent India in 1948. In the present days comprises the 60% of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, but has an independent and own culture assured by the mountainous borders that separate Ladakh from the rest of India. In 1995, the Ladakhians created in its region the Autonomous Development Council. This way, Ladakh has an autonomous organization that will try to improve the economical and social development of the region, marked by climate and tradition.
Present Scenario
The lack of medical facilities in this district is a serious problem. The population does not have access to either health education or the staff and equipment needed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disorders. As already mentioned, the majority of patients can not afford the expense involved with obtaining the treatment they require. The lack of health education means that the population is unaware of the effects of high risk behaviors such as smoking, obesity sedentary life, excessive alcohol and salt consumption on their health. As a result, local people are unfamiliar with the effect such behaviors may have on their health.
The Ladakh Heart Foundation has concluded that the most effective solution to the problem is to embark upon a programme for the prevention and control of cardio-vascular disease in Ladakh (the community heart and health partnership).
