Dalai Lama Hospitalized, Could Undergo Abdominal Surgery

The Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and leader of that country's government-in-exile, checked into a New Delhi hospital on Thursday after complaining of severe abdominal pain, according to various media reports.

The Times of India says that the Dalai Lama may even undergo surgery later this week:

The spiritual leader was admitted to New Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on Thursday following media reports that abdominal pains for which he had spent four days in a Mumbai Hospital in August had recurred.

"He was admitted when he complained of abdominal pain and now chances are that the Dalai Lama will be operated upon, most probably tomorrow (Friday)," said a senior doctor at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, who did not wish to be identified.

Associated Press is also noticing that the Dalai Lama's spokesman is being very tight-lipped on the Lama's condition but reminds us that the leader has had some health problems this year:

In August, the 73-year-old Dalai Lama was admitted to a Mumbai hospital and underwent tests for abdominal discomfort. Doctors advised him to cancel a planned trip to Europe and rest, saying he was suffering from exhaustion.

by Ronald Nurwisah