Healthcare Landscapes in Bhutan: Past, Present and Future Scopes

At the Bhutan Chevening Alumni Network Symposium (online, December 2024), I delivered an oral presentation titled “Healthcare Landscapes in Bhutan: Past, Present and Future Scopes.”

Talk Overview

• Historical Context: Highlighted Bhutan’s reliance on indigenous medicine and the late adoption of modern healthcare due to centuries of isolation.
• Current System: Described the universal free healthcare model (Beveridge-type) and its integration with traditional medicine.
• Key Achievements: Improved life expectancy, significant reductions in maternal and child mortality.
• Challenges: Addressed the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, alcohol-related mortality, geographic access barriers, and financial sustainability of healthcare.
• Future Directions: Emphasized strengthening primary healthcare, investing in the health workforce, adopting digital health solutions, and preparing for paradigm shifts in health promotion.

More information here
Powerpoint Presentation Available here