Dalai Lama Health Update: How Is the Tibetan Spiritual Leader Doing After Treatment in Delhi?

The 14th Dalai Lama was discharged from Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in New Delhi on Friday after undergoing successful left knee replacement surgery.

According to senior consultant Dr Rajesh Malhotra, the 90-year-old spiritual leader underwent the procedure on June 8. Hospital officials said the surgery was successful and confirmed that he is in stable condition and expected to make a full recovery.

The update was also shared through the official X account of the Dalai Lama's office. The spokesperson said,''His Holiness the Dalai Lama underwent successful left knee replacement surgery on Monday, 8 June, in New Delhi.

"Throughout his treatment, His Holiness's personal medical team and the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama remained in close coordination with the administrative and medical staff at Apollo Hospitals. His Holiness is stable and expected to make full recovery. He was discharged on Friday morning, 12 June.

"It has been a great honour for the hospital and the medical team to serve His Holiness the Dalai Lama. We are grateful for the trust and confidence placed in us and privileged to have been able to contribute to His Holiness's care."

Medical teams from the hospital and his personal staff remained in close coordination throughout the treatment and recovery period.

This is the second knee replacement surgery undergone by the Tibetan spiritual leader. In June 2024, he had undergone a right knee replacement surgery at a hospital in New York.

Following recovery, the Dalai Lama is expected to travel to Ladakh later this month for an extended visit, according to his office.

Meanwhile, discussions continue over the future recognition of the next Dalai Lama.

Speaking at an event in Delhi on June 9, Sikyong (President) of the Central Tibetan Administration Penpa Tsering rejected China's claim that it will decide the next Dalai Lama. He said the selection process is an internal religious matter and not under Chinese authority.

He also stated that discussions on succession will begin only when the Dalai Lama decides to step back, adding that there is no immediate process underway.

Tibetans in India are expected to hold a protest march on June 26 against China's Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion law, which was adopted in March and is set to come into effect on July 1.

Why Knee Replacement Is Needed

Doctors say knee replacement surgery is most commonly required due to osteoarthritis, a condition in which the cartilage in the knee gradually wears down over time, leading to pain and restricted movement. Other causes include rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and structural deformities of the knee joint.

For a global spiritual leader of his age, the decision to undergo major joint surgery is driven by very specific functional needs. The Dalai Lama follows a demanding schedule that includes extensive international travel, public speaking, and long periods of standing or walking during religious ceremonies.

In such cases, advanced osteoarthritis or joint degeneration can significantly limit mobility and make it difficult to travel to communities that depend on his spiritual guidance.

His team has also indicated that, following recovery, he is expected to undertake an extended stay in Ladakh later this month.

At 90, maintaining mobility, independence in walking, and avoiding long-term immobility are crucial for overall health. Medical experts note that total knee replacement can also help reduce the risk of complications associated with reduced movement in old age, including muscle loss and cardiovascular decline.