Progress and delivery of health care in Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon and Gross National Happiness

Abstract

Summary The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is rapidly changing, but it remains relatively isolated, and it tenaciously embraces its rich cultural heritage. Despite very limited resources, Bhutan is making a concerted effort to update its health care and deliver it to all of its citizens. Healthcare services are delivered through 31 hospitals, 178 basic health unit clinics and 654 outreach clinics that provide maternal and child health services in remote communities in the mountains. Physical access to primary health care is now well sustained for more than 90% of the population. Bhutan has made progress in key health indicators. In the past 50 years, life expectancy increased by 18 years and infant mortality dropped from 102.8 to 49.3 per 1000 live births between 1984 and 2008. Bhutan has a rich medical history. One of the ancient names for Bhutan was ‘Land of Medicinal Herbs’ because of the diverse medicinal plants it exported to neighbouring countries. In 1967, traditional medicine was included in the National Health System, and in 1971, formal training for Drungtshos (traditional doctors) and sMenpas (traditional compounders) began. In 1982, Bhutan established the Pharmaceutical and Research Unit, which manufactures, develops and researches traditional herbal medicines. Despite commendable achievements, considerable challenges lie ahead, but the advances of the past few decades bode well for the future.

Yield of Brain MRI in Clinically Diagnosed Epilepsy in the Kingdom of Bhutan: A Prospective Study

“…Prior data on epilepsy in LMICs may not reflect the epidemiological transition. The high prevalence of perinatal and congenital injuries seen here may relate to Bhutan’s low percentage of births in health facilities (Tobgay et al, 2011) or other treatable factors that are not yet recognized such as micronutrient deficiencies like folate. Identifiable causes of epilepsy in LMICs without HIV endemicity appear analogous to those in high-income countries, suggesting that similar diagnostic approaches and treatments, especially for complex cases, should be planned.…”

A systematic review of the neural correlates of positive emotions

“…A new concept of social development was introduced in 1972 as a result of work promoted by the king of Bhutan: gross national happiness (GNH), intended as a counterbalance to the emphasis on measuring a country's success in terms of gross domestic product (GDP). 2,3 Years later, when Seligman was president of the American Psychological Association, a new branch of psychology was established. Positive psychology is the study of the virtues and strengths of humans.…”

Influenza surveillance from November 2008 to 2011; including pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in Bhutan

“…The BHU cater to only minor ailments, assist normal deliveries, and administer prevention and sanitation activities within the communities. People can access any health center and patients are referred both to a higher level and back to communities for monitoring and rehabilitative measures 2 …”