Health in Bhutan

Bhutan is one of the few countries that provide free health care and free education. Until the 1950s, formal education available to Bhutanese students was only through Buddhist monasteries. The most important modern development in education occurred during the first development plan when about 108 schools were in operation. 

Health in Bhutan is one of the government’s top priorities in it’s development and modernization plan. The heath care system in Bhutan includes both modern and transitional medical systems.

World Health Organization in Bhutan 

The road to modern health care in Bhutan began in 1961 with two hospitals, two doctors, and two nurses, coinciding with the first five-year development Plan (1961-1966). Most regional hospitals are equipped with facilities for basic diagnostic tests, including X-ray examinations. In some areas, BHU Level 1 serves as a district hospital. There are two regional referral hospitals in Mongar in the east and Gelephu in the central region. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital is the main hospital in the country. Bhutan became a member of the World Health Organization in 1982. Bhutan joined the World Health Organization seeking its support and technical guidance to develop and promote a modern health care system in the country. At present, free health care is provided to not just the citizens but also visitors and foreigners who reside in the country.

The education system in Bhutan.

Western-style education was introduced to Bhutan during the reign of Ugyen Wangchuck. Some elementary, secondary, and high schools are boarding schools. The curriculum set by the National Board of Secondary Education included English, Mathematics, and Dzongkha. English is used as the language of instruction throughout the middle and high school systems, and the students also learn social studies, history, geography, and science. The only college in Bhutan was Sherubtse College in Kanglong that was established in 1983 as a three-year degree.