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ANNUAL HEALTH BULLETIN 2004 - Ministry of Health

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ROYAL GOVERNMENT OF BHUTAN<br />

MINISTRY OF <strong>HEALTH</strong><br />

THIMPHU : BHUTAN<br />

<strong>ANNUAL</strong><br />

<strong>HEALTH</strong> <strong>BULLETIN</strong><br />

<strong>2004</strong>


Table <strong>of</strong> Contents<br />

General lnj'orllflltion<br />

Foreword .1<br />

Map showing health infrastructure 2<br />

Structure <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Ministry</strong> 3<br />

<strong>Health</strong>


GreVfJlEffYPJ R<br />

II1J1lf([J) ff1J1J1J (J)Jit~([J)1J1l


This Annual <strong>Health</strong> Bulletin, <strong>2004</strong> is the 24th in the series <strong>of</strong> publications brought<br />

Qut regularly as a media on Bhutan health services ..It is a source <strong>of</strong> basic information on<br />

health services delivery system recorded routinely and compiled on annual basis.<br />

This publication selVes as a periodical progress report and provides feedback on the ongoing<br />

activities <strong>of</strong> programme implementation. It is also intended to facilitate effective monitoring<br />

<strong>of</strong> health programmes and ensure appropriate interventions for better management <strong>of</strong> health<br />

services. Traditionally, this publication has therefore been our humble attempt towards<br />

meeting the basic requirements <strong>of</strong> data and information for planning and setting priorities in<br />

health. To make this system an effective tool, constant efforts are being pursued to improve it<br />

through appropriate and timely reviews. However, we would still require continued cooperation<br />

<strong>of</strong> all interested readers, particularly within health, in providing us feedback with<br />

comments and suggestions for further improvement <strong>of</strong> this bulletin.<br />

Looking back at the progress <strong>of</strong> health activities during <strong>2004</strong>, considerable<br />

improvement has been observed. This is evident from the fact that one can see an increasing<br />

coverage <strong>of</strong> health services as revealed by the disease patterns over the years. There has been<br />

very little or minimum cases <strong>of</strong> any disease outbreak this year and that the risk <strong>of</strong> deaths or<br />

mortality has declined significantly. It is also observed that the attendance at the outpatient<br />

services is significantly on the rise. This may be attributed to the ongoing health awareness<br />

campaigns effectively reaching the grassroots and 'as a result the general population is<br />

becoming much more aware <strong>of</strong> their own health needs, thus seeking care.<br />

However, it is also evident from the records that problems do persist in many areas <strong>of</strong><br />

health that need further attention. From both the global perspective and country situations, we<br />

are not only aware <strong>of</strong> the emerging problems but also seriously concerned with the rising<br />

trend <strong>of</strong> non-communicable diseases. There is also the challenge <strong>of</strong> preparing and managing<br />

disasters both man-made and natural. These altogether call for a closer look and require<br />

different strategies to tackle the situation in an environmentally friendly manner.<br />

In order to strengthen arid improve the district health system, the year <strong>2004</strong> has seen a<br />

major shift in the policy <strong>of</strong> health administration by introducing District <strong>Health</strong> Officer<br />

(DHO) who will manage overall public health aspects in the community. However, only 3<br />

regions have been identified at the initial stage viz, Trashigang, Zhemgang and Chhukha for<br />

East, Central and the Western regions respectively. This change is expected to bring about<br />

improvement in the quality <strong>of</strong> services through fulltime involvement <strong>of</strong> the current DMOs in<br />

their clinical pr<strong>of</strong>ession and not having to deal with administrative burdens.<br />

In conclusion, let me express my appreciation to all those who are involved in health<br />

services development in Bhutan. Our deep gratitude is due to the development partners,<br />

government agencies and to the health workers for their dedicated services whose collective<br />

efIorts have been a source <strong>of</strong> inspiration for health in creating a conducive and progressive<br />

life for the Bhutanese people.<br />

Secretary<br />

<strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong>


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Procurement<br />

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distribution<br />

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National Referral Hospital<br />

JDWNRH<br />

Outside<br />

Bhutan<br />

T ••• •••<br />

Eastern Region Central Region Western Region<br />

Referral Hospital Referral Hospital Referral Hospital<br />

Mongar Gaylephu JDWNRH, Thimphu<br />

,<br />

L<br />

Dzongkhag Hospitals<br />

(District Hospitals)<br />

Community <strong>Health</strong> Units<br />

_.1<br />

:.........................................<br />

t........................................ :<br />

Basic <strong>Health</strong><br />

( BHU)<br />

Units<br />

Outreach Clinics<br />

(ORC)<br />

......... ....


<strong>Health</strong> Management Information System (HMIS)<br />

Flow <strong>of</strong> Information<br />

INFORMATION<br />

MANAGEMENT<br />

1. Monthly/Annual data<br />

aggregated at BHU<br />

level in electronic fom1<br />

(by the end <strong>of</strong> next<br />

month <strong>of</strong> past quarter)"-<br />

2. Intra-district personnel<br />

transfer information<br />

(immediate)<br />

3. District and lower level<br />

disease outbreak<br />

infomlatioll<br />

(immediate)<br />

4. Other immediate<br />

renarts<br />

1. National Level Indicators<br />

2. <strong>Health</strong> Bulletins<br />

•••<br />

~/<br />

calculat~ I Produces /<br />

<strong>HEALTH</strong><br />

INFORMATION<br />

UNIT<br />

\<br />

DISTRICT<br />

OFFICE<br />

(DHSO)<br />

1. Feedback rep0l1 (quarterly)<br />

2. Other infonnation on demand<br />

<strong>Health</strong> Staff information<br />

from Personnel Section <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Health</strong>, MoH .<br />

1. Staff<br />

Database<br />

2. Vital statistics<br />

database<br />

3. Service Statistics<br />

database<br />

4. Facility Codes<br />

1. BHUIHOSP<br />

Service Statistics<br />

database<br />

2. HOSPIBHU wise<br />

household<br />

intonnation<br />

1. Monthly Activitv<br />

Report<br />

2. Monthly<br />

Morbidity report<br />

3. Immediate<br />

/<br />

[HOSP-IT~.~AJ-~--<br />

1. Feedback report (Quarterly)<br />

2. Other infonnation on demand<br />

''A<br />

tl·<br />

Monthly BHU reports (by 15 '<strong>of</strong> next month)<br />

Village Level Arumal Household Survey (by] 5 th <strong>of</strong> March)<br />

Immediate reports on notifiable dIseases<br />

District level<br />

mdicators<br />

Community <strong>Health</strong><br />

Unit*<br />

! Calculates<br />

BASIC <strong>HEALTH</strong> UNIT ----------------~<br />

(BHU)<br />

Some BHU level<br />

mdlCators<br />

BHU Collects ORC service<br />

informatlOn<br />

/<br />

[iRes<br />

BHU Collects Vlllage mfonnatlOn<br />

through annual survey & rural water<br />

supply inspection reports<br />

fVote: Some "enical programmes (e.g. TB and Lepros}) reports are directly sent to respecti,'"<br />

programme head quarters.<br />

• Community JIcalth UnU (C"HU) sends same informatioll to DHSO as sent by BNUs. Morbiditv<br />

dl1/afrom CIIUIORCs managed by hospitals are added to the hospital l/wrbiditl ,[a!{/...


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~._~_ri*.;:r<br />

Population 56205 63890 ,8847<br />

Male 27747 30440 33489<br />

Female 28458 33450 35358<br />

Life Expectancy at birth (years) NA 66.1 66.1<br />

Sex ratio (Males per 100 females) 103- 105.1 106.6<br />

Dependency ratio 80 91.7 77.4<br />

-<br />

General Fertility Rate 170 172.7 142.7<br />

Total Fertility Rate NA 5.6 4.7<br />

Crude Birth Rate (per 1000 population) 39 39.9 34.1<br />

Crude Death Rate (per 1000 population) 13 9.0 8.6<br />

Population Growth Rate 3 3.1 2.5<br />

Infant Mortality Rate (per 1000 live births) 103 70.7 60.5<br />

Under-5 Mortality Rate (per 1000 live borths) 162 96.9 84.0<br />

Matemal.mortality ratio (per 1000 live births) 8 3.8 2.6<br />

Trained Birth attendance (%) NA 10.9 23.6<br />

:.'-I!


<strong>Health</strong> facilities and manpower, <strong>2004</strong><br />

A. Human Resource<br />

Number <strong>of</strong> doctors (including non-nationals)<br />

Doctors per 10,000 population<br />

Ratio <strong>of</strong> doctors to hospital bed<br />

No. <strong>of</strong> Drungtshos (Indigenous physicians)<br />

No. <strong>of</strong> sMen as (Indi enous com ounders)<br />

District <strong>Health</strong> Supervisory Officers (DHSO)<br />

RSc. Nurses<br />

General Nurse Midwife/Staff Nurses (GNM)<br />

Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM)<br />

Assistant Nurses<br />

<strong>Health</strong> Assistants (HA)<br />

Basic <strong>Health</strong> Workers (BHW)<br />

Ratio <strong>of</strong> nurses to hospital bed<br />

Nurses er 10,000 ulation<br />

Lab. Technicians<br />

Dental TechnicianslHygienist<br />

X-Ray Technicians<br />

Pharmacy Technicians<br />

O.T. Technicians<br />

Eye Technicians<br />

Other Technicians<br />

Compounders/Para medical workers<br />

Malaria workers<br />

135<br />

1.8<br />

1: 8<br />

31<br />

26<br />

23<br />

12<br />

183<br />

140<br />

175<br />

201<br />

171<br />

1:2<br />

6.8<br />

106<br />

48<br />

32<br />

79<br />

23<br />

29<br />

29<br />

22<br />

47<br />

Type <strong>of</strong> facility<br />

Number/Indicator<br />

Number <strong>of</strong>hospitals* 29<br />

Number <strong>of</strong> Basic <strong>Health</strong> Units (BHUs)* 176<br />

Indigenous hospital 1<br />

Indigenous Units 21<br />

Training institutes (including NIFH, Gaylegphug) 3<br />

Outreach Clinics (ORC)* 476<br />

Total hospital beds 1068<br />

Hospital bed per 10,000 population 14.0


Activities<br />

The Royal Institute <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> Sciences as mandated in its vision and mission statements<br />

continues to produce relevant and well trained mid level health human resource for the<br />

<strong>Health</strong> <strong>Ministry</strong>. 71 pre service trainees graduated during the year. They include 18<br />

GNMs, 17 HAs, and 36 technicians bringing the total number <strong>of</strong> graduates to over 1500<br />

since its establishment as the <strong>Health</strong> School in 1974. 15 senior health assistants<br />

completed the one year Diploma in clinical management course and will soon be posted<br />

as Assistant Clinical Officers. The second batch <strong>of</strong> 16 senior staff nurses were also<br />

awarded their Bachelor's Degree in Nursing early this year after completing the two year<br />

conversion program conducted at RIHS in collaboration with La Trobe University,<br />

Australia. The Bachelor <strong>of</strong> Nursing conversion program has been a grand success with<br />

the targeted number <strong>of</strong> 30 staff nurses getting their Bachelor's degree. 2 scholarships<br />

were awarded for the second time by the Vice Chancellor at the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Nursing, La<br />

Trobe University.<br />

78 new trainees were recruited in the <strong>2004</strong>-2005 academic session, 22 GNMs, 19 HAs<br />

and 37 technicians. Majority <strong>of</strong> candidates are with class 12 pass qualification. This is an<br />

encouraging trend as we have trainees who are not only better qualified but are also more<br />

mature and with better prospects for further training. The total number <strong>of</strong> trainees as <strong>of</strong><br />

today stands at 194 with 104 males and 90 female. This is near the maximum capacity<br />

that RillS can handle.<br />

4 new faculty members have been inducted into the RIHS. 3 more have re joined after<br />

completing their Masters. There are 22 full time faculty members (8 with Masters, 3<br />

undergoing Masters, 7 with Bachelors and the rest with Diploma or certificates) and 20<br />

support staff. We also have 1 JOeV IT lecturer and one UNV midwifery lecturer on a<br />

two year contract but whose terms are nearing their end.<br />

While both quantity and quality in terms <strong>of</strong> qualification and experience has improved<br />

significantly in the last few years, the faculty position is slil1 far from optimum if RIHS is<br />

to impart quality training and handle the increased inti.J(c <strong>of</strong> both pre service and in<br />

service training. We urgently need one more doctor to teach the clinical aspects, one<br />

community health specialist, one health educator or communication expert and at least 4<br />

nursing lecturers. The faculty also needs to be trained ;md updated on subject specific<br />

knowledge, teaching methodologies and best practices. In this regard, many <strong>of</strong> the faculty<br />

members had the opportunity to attend a teaching methodology workshop at NRTI,<br />

Lobesa organized by RUB with expertise from NIF. A few <strong>of</strong> the staff also had<br />

opportunities to attend trainings or workshops outside the country. With the<br />

Government's approval <strong>of</strong> payment <strong>of</strong> remuneration to part time or visiting lecturers, the<br />

faculty position and the quality <strong>of</strong> training is expected to Improve significantly with the<br />

greater enthusiasm and participation <strong>of</strong> the doctors, nurses and technologist from the<br />

JDWNRH and programme personnel from the <strong>Ministry</strong>.


Formal handing over <strong>of</strong> the Institute to the RUB has been delayed due to some<br />

teclmicalities, but RillS is actively participating and interacting with the University in the<br />

academic area and all efforts are being made to meet and institute the University's<br />

requirements and standards.<br />

Future Directions<br />

• The Institute is gearing towards becoming a College <strong>of</strong> Nursing and <strong>Health</strong><br />

Sciences and begin to <strong>of</strong>fer Bachelor' Degree in Nursing under the auspices <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Royal University <strong>of</strong> Bhutan.<br />

• The other training programs are also expected to be up graded to Diploma level.<br />

• The Institute is also expected to take greater role in continuing education activities<br />

by conducting in service trainings, workshops and up gradation courses.<br />

• Faculty development in terms <strong>of</strong> quality and quantity would be one major activity<br />

for the future. We need faculty with subject specific expertise at Masters level as<br />

well as the requisite number and trained in teaching and learning methodologies.<br />

• We also need to develop the research capabilities <strong>of</strong> the faculty so that the<br />

Institute can conduct research in clinical as well as in the education field to<br />

improve the training aspects at RIHS.<br />

• The infrastructure will have to be upgraded and expanded to accommodate the<br />

increasing number <strong>of</strong> students and staff every year.


The structure for QAS has been institutionalized in the <strong>Health</strong> Department during the<br />

mid_8 th FYP since 1998 as one <strong>of</strong> the major component <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Health</strong> Care Division<br />

under the <strong>Health</strong> Department.<br />

With the commencement <strong>of</strong> the Ninth five Year Plan, the concepts <strong>of</strong> Quality<br />

Assurance in <strong>Health</strong> Care have been outlined and a policy document on Quality<br />

Assurance and Standardization was developed and disseminated to the health care<br />

settings. With the bifurcation <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Ministry</strong> the quality assurance program has been<br />

instituted as the QAS Division under the Department <strong>of</strong> Medical Services in 2003. In<br />

view <strong>of</strong> the mandates and roles with other Departments and Divisions,' it has been<br />

recently placed directly under the <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong>.<br />

The government has set poli~ objectives to improve and standardize the health care<br />

needs <strong>of</strong> the country for the 9 FYP, which the Quality Assurance and Standardization<br />

Division is mandated to operationlise the standardization <strong>of</strong> services and supplies in the<br />

<strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong>.<br />

Quality is the central issue in health care today. Rising expectations <strong>of</strong> the people and<br />

patient safety advances in medical and diagnostic technology, competition in the health<br />

care industry, and escalating costs have put quality <strong>of</strong> care center stage. There is a<br />

growing realization that quality improvement is essential for enhancing efficiency and<br />

effectiveness <strong>of</strong> health services both in the public and private sectors.<br />

• By the end <strong>of</strong> the 9 th Five Year Plan, there will be a Nationwide Quality Assurance<br />

System with clear policies and indicators that are practical and realistic.<br />

• To establish structures and processes in the <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> to ensure continuous<br />

improvement in the quality <strong>of</strong> health care through development and use <strong>of</strong><br />

appropriate health technologies.<br />

• To develop an understanding <strong>of</strong> the concepts <strong>of</strong> quality and its importance in<br />

health care.


• To develop skills in planning and implementing quality assurance programmes<br />

in the health centers.<br />

• To learn quality improvement processes, tools and managerial skills.<br />

• To develop an understanding <strong>of</strong> standards and indicators <strong>of</strong> quality.<br />

• Development and institutionalization <strong>of</strong> standard operative procedures<br />

• To develop basic skills in the assessment and measurement <strong>of</strong> quality.<br />

• Achievement <strong>of</strong> optimal utilization <strong>of</strong> resources (bnth human and material)<br />

• Ensuring safety and<br />

• Achieving consumer satisfaction.<br />

A) Quality Assurance is a systematic and planned approach to defining, designing,<br />

assessing, monitoring, and improving the quality <strong>of</strong> health services on a continuous<br />

basis.<br />

o<br />

o<br />

The development <strong>of</strong> guidelines for practice (standard operative<br />

procedures) / benchmark.<br />

Standardization <strong>of</strong> services, staffing levels, equipment and supplies<br />

across health facilities.<br />

1. Focus on the client: Focus on clients not only involves the external clients<br />

(patients) but also the internal clients (organizational members)<br />

2. Focus on systems and processes: QA focuses on arrangements <strong>of</strong> organizations,<br />

people, materials and procedures associated with a particular function or<br />

outcome, which consists <strong>of</strong> inputs, processes and outputs. These steps are<br />

directed at achieving one goal or output from the system that encompasses the<br />

processes.<br />

3. Focus on Measurement: The collection and analysis <strong>of</strong> data are important in<br />

QA as they ensure objectivity for quality improvement.<br />

4. Focus on Teamwork: Teams are important to QA as the processes consist <strong>of</strong><br />

interdependent steps executed by different people, which involve clarifying and<br />

incorporating the insights and needs <strong>of</strong> the clients into health care delivery.<br />

Quality Assurance and Standardization Division is responsible for the development<br />

and implementation <strong>of</strong> national policy/ guideline on QA in coordination with the<br />

HTQC. The areas that must be addressed include:


• Establishment <strong>of</strong> goals and strategies in the health care plans according to the<br />

priorities. .<br />

• Legislation and nationwide coordination in implementing QA&S systerrl. in the<br />

health care settings.<br />

'<br />

• Coordinate / facilitate to oversee and ensure that the health systems are<br />

standardized, that the health facilities follow the minimum standards and quality<br />

<strong>of</strong> services to the beneficiaries are ensured.<br />

• Standardize the infrastructures, services, supplies and staffing pattern for all<br />

health care settings in the ministry<br />

The Joint Director, QA&S Division will spearhead and coordinate QA activities<br />

through the HTQC and institutionalize the QA&S in the health care system.<br />

Taking into account the geographical and communication barriers, three support<br />

structures are proposed; National, Regional and District.<br />

District level: District QA teams headed by DMOs and DHSOs based at district<br />

hospitals.<br />

QA teams will be formed at each level, which the individual will have a continuing<br />

responsibility for the quality <strong>of</strong> their work in their own facility. QA teams will meet at<br />

regular intervals to discuss and consider the quality issues and improving the overall<br />

quality <strong>of</strong> the services they provide. Within the QA & S structure, some <strong>of</strong> theses teams<br />

will take on additional responsibility <strong>of</strong> providing support to the less quality performing<br />

districts or the Regional QA teams supporting the districts in their region and districts<br />

supporting the BHUs in their region.


As a general principle QA responsibilities should be decentralized as far as possible,<br />

consistent with the ability <strong>of</strong> lower levels to take decisions and manage the QA<br />

implementation in their own area.<br />

The proposed QA teams at various levels:<br />

• National QA teams: Lead by Joint Director, QASD<br />

• Regional QA teams: Lead by Superintendents<br />

• District QA teams: Lead by DMO<br />

• BOO QA teams: Lead by DHSO<br />

• Review and discuss their prior quality problems at their level and develop<br />

quality management plans.<br />

• Conduct and coordinate the QAS training in their respective areas.<br />

• Submit the annual work plans to the QASD.<br />

• Submit quarterly reports to the J1, Director, QASD for feedback and for<br />

effective monitoring and evaluation.<br />

The Joint Director, QASD coordinates QA activities through the HTQC. The HTQC<br />

forum discusses the priority issues for quality improvements and standards setting and<br />

for developing policy on how quality <strong>of</strong> care issues should be taken forward within the<br />

health services as a whole. This body is comprised <strong>of</strong> a broad representation <strong>of</strong><br />

personnel committed to assessing quality <strong>of</strong> care at all levels and their roles and<br />

functions are:<br />

To provide leadership and advocacy for QA & S in Bhutan<br />

To assess priorities for quality improvement and standards setting<br />

To maintain an equitable and appropriate distribution <strong>of</strong> health technology<br />

and human resources at each level <strong>of</strong> the health services.<br />

To promote and enhance the skills <strong>of</strong> health staff in quality improvement <strong>of</strong><br />

health care.<br />

To review progress on quality improvements nationally<br />

The health care authorities at the Regional and District levels will put quality assurance<br />

in focus by establishing goals and policies in their own priority health care areas and<br />

ensure that they are incorporated in the health care plans <strong>of</strong> their service centers. As part<br />

<strong>of</strong> each plan, the authorities will ensure that each health care institution takes part in


quality assurance activities and reports the results <strong>of</strong> its efforts. Another important task<br />

is the facilitation <strong>of</strong> interdisciplinary and inter-institutional cooperation. The formation<br />

<strong>of</strong> QA teams at the regional level will greatly facilitate in handling this work.<br />

The training on Quality Assurance and Standardization was planned in three phases.<br />

The first phase <strong>of</strong> the training was conducted with help <strong>of</strong> external assistance. The<br />

participants included only the in charges / heads <strong>of</strong> the sections <strong>of</strong> the health facility.<br />

The second phase <strong>of</strong> the QAS training is being conducted at each health facility<br />

including all the health pr<strong>of</strong>essionals, administrative and support staff too, not<br />

disturbing the daily routines <strong>of</strong> the facility.<br />

The third phase <strong>of</strong> the training would be focused on the BHUs, which will be starting<br />

soon after the completion <strong>of</strong> the second phase.<br />

Monitoring the progress <strong>of</strong> the implementation <strong>of</strong> the training and the development <strong>of</strong><br />

the national QA & S support structure, which is already in place.<br />

This monitoring will assess the performance <strong>of</strong> the QA&S system both in terms <strong>of</strong><br />

process and out come, that is in the operation <strong>of</strong> the QA&S system and the<br />

improvements made across the districts and referral hospitals in quality indicators,<br />

particularly those related to the national priority quality issues.<br />

This will compare base-line measures <strong>of</strong> quality indicators for the priority issues with<br />

the same indicators 3 years later.<br />

Statistical analysis <strong>of</strong> changes in average values for district quality indicators and<br />

analysis <strong>of</strong> variation between districts will be conducted. In this way it will be possible<br />

to me;sure whether the gap in performance between poorer and stronger districts<br />

reduces in time.


The National Traditional Medicine hospital, ITMS has carried out the General administration and<br />

Management works on shedule as follows:-<br />

1. Procurement <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice equipments and other activities<br />

2. Monitoring and management trips to dzongkhag Traditional Medicine Units.<br />

3. Therapy extension works completed<br />

4. Workshop on Incorporating Traditional information system into BHMIS conducted<br />

5. Draft finalization <strong>of</strong> Traditional diseases classification<br />

6. Finalized forms for treatment and Therapy activities <strong>of</strong>NTMH<br />

7. Publication <strong>of</strong> Traditional diseases classification (TDC) book, register and forms are<br />

under process<br />

8. Documentation and information unit for the lTMS established<br />

9. Planned and initiated lTMS museum developement programmes<br />

~ OThe Traditional Physicians and sMenpas have carried out the out-Teach-services in<br />

religious centres at Phajodeng, Tango, Cheri, Dodedrag, Lhongtsho goenpa, Tashigang<br />

goenpa and Thadrag goenpa.<br />

• Cunducted quarterly staff meeting and monthly clinical meeting <strong>of</strong> NTMH, ITMS to<br />

review the activities and improved the traditional medical services.<br />

o<br />

To study the nature and the specifice therapeutic uses <strong>of</strong> hot spring and minerals, National<br />

Traditional Hospital (NTMH) has been conducted survey <strong>of</strong> hot springs and minerals in<br />

Duedmang, Zhemgang Dzongkhag and Ge1ephu, Sarpang dzongkhag and Chuzom, near<br />

Rabkhey zam in Wangdi dzongkhags.<br />

o No specialized training for Dungtshos and sMenpas to upgrade their knowledge and<br />

skills.


SN Cases Male Female Total<br />

1 New case 8121 7207 15328<br />

2 Old case 9292 7553 16845<br />

Total 18413 14760 32448<br />

SN Therapies Number<br />

1 gTar (Blood letting) 117<br />

2 bSreg (Moxibition) 21<br />

3 sPra-gden-gSer-Khab (Acupreasure gold needle) 16806<br />

4 dNgul-Khab (Acupreasure silver needle) 1233<br />

5 IChag-tshug (Iron rnoxibition) 105<br />

6 Snurn-Tshug (Oil rnoxibition) 374<br />

7 Me-bum (Cupping) 1<br />

8 rNgab-ra 13<br />

9 sLang-dug (Steam application) 3197<br />

10 Slang-lums (Stearn bath) 2448<br />

11 Chu-lums (Herbal bath) 2326<br />

12 sNa-sJyong (Nasal irrigation) 202<br />

13 bShel-sKyug 1<br />

14 rNa-sNyum 15


HospitaJlUnit<br />

No. <strong>of</strong> out-patients treated<br />

N••w Old Total<br />

Indigenoushosnital 15603 16845 32448<br />

Indigenous units:<br />

TrashiganQ: 2517 745 3262<br />

Trongsa 2829 2182 5011<br />

Bumthang 2476 2463 4939<br />

Punakha 3156 2418 5574<br />

Haa 1952 2095 4047<br />

Mongar 3068 1659 4727<br />

Gaylegphug 1565 790 2355<br />

SamdrubjJongakhar 1775 854 2629<br />

PemagatsheI 1696 687 2383<br />

Yebi1abtsa 1120 1403 2523<br />

Paro 7176 3481 10657<br />

T rashiyangtse 166 133 299<br />

Lhuntse 1939 879 2818<br />

Dagana 1642 415 2057<br />

Tsirang 1565 790 2355<br />

Samtse 1717 993 2710<br />

Wangdiphodrang 3518 2730 6248<br />

Chhukha 1397 950 2347<br />

Gasa 919 310 1229<br />

Riserboo 0 0 0<br />

Phobjikha 53 74 127<br />

Total: 57849 42896 100745


1. The National Institute <strong>of</strong> Traditional Medicine has published an academic calendar.<br />

2. The field training for first year Dungtsho and Phannacy trainees has been<br />

conducted in central and regional hospital and BHUs.<br />

4. As per the training curriculum, field training trips for identification <strong>of</strong> Hig'l and<br />

Low altitude medicinal plants have heen conducted for the 3 rd year s1\knpa<br />

trainees in Lingshi Dungkhag and Trongsa Dzongkhag.<br />

5. The amendment <strong>of</strong> training curriculum for Dungtshos and sMenpas has been<br />

completed.<br />

6. The trainees <strong>of</strong> National Institute <strong>of</strong> Traditional Medicine have been awarded 2 nd<br />

prize <strong>of</strong> Guru Nangsi Z.,lnoen statue 28" on His Majesty's hirth anniversary 11 th<br />

November <strong>2004</strong>, in debate competition within Institutes <strong>of</strong> Royal University <strong>of</strong><br />

Bhutan, organized by Dzongkha Development Authority, MoE.<br />

7. The National Institute <strong>of</strong> Traditional Medicine has published an evaluation hand<br />

hook to enhance the quality <strong>of</strong> knowledge and skills dnd improvement <strong>of</strong><br />

disciplines for Institute.<br />

TraditionalHospitallUllits<br />

Drungts-,;;;-r-S~~~~~p-;;----<br />

- . -L .<br />

Indi~enous Hosnital, Thimphu 14 _li_____<br />

Indigenous Units:<br />

Bumthang 1 J____<br />

Chhukha -- ~-- 1 1 -------<br />

Dallana<br />

- --'------ 0 _____ 1 ____ .<br />

Gasa<br />

.."--<br />

1 1<br />

Haa 1 1 ---<br />

Lhuntse 1 .____ l~ ___<br />

MonQar 1 _____ 1.___<br />

Paro 1 1<br />

---"<br />

PemaQatshel 1 1<br />

Punakha<br />

-- 0 1<br />

Samdrubiom!khar 0 1<br />

Samtse 1 1<br />

Gavlenhu (Saroanll) 1 1<br />

TrashiQanQ" 1 1<br />

Trashivam!tse --<br />

1 1<br />

TronQ:sa 1 1<br />

Tsiranl.! 1 1<br />

Baio (WanQ:diuhodrang) 1 1<br />

Yebilantsa (ZhemQ:nag) 1 1<br />

Riserboo 1<br />

.. .-<br />

0<br />

Phobiikha 0 1<br />

Total 31 26


1. Production, Supply and sales <strong>of</strong> Traditional Medicine<br />

1. Total production output <strong>of</strong> 1692.265 Kilogram<br />

2. Total sales <strong>of</strong> worth Nu. 3,55,493.425 from the commercial products.<br />

2. Research and Quality Control<br />

I) QC on Imported RM completed<br />

2) R & D Work on product development<br />

3) Quality Standards and test protocol under compilation<br />

3. Training<br />

o Pharmacology and his Assistant have undergone Immuno-modulating<br />

studies at Mahidol University, through World Bank funding.<br />

o Undergone training on basic running and maintenance <strong>of</strong> Tea packing<br />

machine<br />

1) Construction <strong>of</strong> Green house at Lingshi - Tender has been floated twice<br />

and rejected by the committee.<br />

2) Refurbishment and structural amendment to the Marketing section and<br />

existing manufacturing unit ~ HIDP is drawing up design and awaits<br />

the site plan from the City co-operation.<br />

3) Expansion <strong>of</strong> Production and Storage area - awaits the Site plan and<br />

Tapa survey from the City Co-operation and Department <strong>of</strong> Survey.<br />

o<br />

o<br />

o<br />

Preparation <strong>of</strong> Overall Work Plan and Annual Work Plan for EC MP<br />

Project II completed Head PRU and many staff were intensely<br />

involved)<br />

First Steering Committee Meeting held<br />

New Component Manager Appointed


Introduction<br />

The laboratory services, preferably be called national laboratory services grew up side<br />

by side along with development <strong>of</strong> preventive and curative health services in Bhutan<br />

since the inception <strong>of</strong> planned development in the early sixties. With a very modest<br />

beginning, there are now various levels <strong>of</strong> laboratories in the country provid :ng from<br />

very basic services in basic health units (BHUs) to sophisticated tests and equipments<br />

providing wider range <strong>of</strong> services at the National Referral Hospital laboratory at<br />

Thimphu. Except at the central level where there is a separate public health laboratory<br />

(PHL), public health laboratory activities are appropriately merged with clinical<br />

laboratories at the district hospitals and BHUs.<br />

Organization<br />

The clinical laboratory services in the country are under the administrative umbrella <strong>of</strong><br />

the <strong>Health</strong> Care and Diagnostic (HCD) Services division under the Department <strong>of</strong><br />

Medical Services (DMS). The head <strong>of</strong> Pathology and Laboratory Services unit at<br />

JDWNR Hospital, Thimphu is technically responsible for the overall guidance and<br />

supervision <strong>of</strong> the laboratory activities in the country.<br />

At present the JDWNR hospital laboratory is headed by a pathologist and assisted by<br />

about 66 technologists and technicians. The regional referral hospitals have 4-6<br />

technicians and 1-2 technicians man the Dzongkhag hospitals. A few <strong>of</strong> the BHU-I are<br />

manned by one laboratory technician.<br />

The laboratory services organization is pyramidal in shape viz the Central Laboratory at<br />

Thimphu forming the apex and the BHU laboratories forming the base. The<br />

intermediate level laboratories are those <strong>of</strong> the two regional referral hospitals at<br />

Gelephug and Mongar and twenty-six other district hospitals across the country.<br />

At the central level, there is one public health laboratory, administratively under the<br />

Department <strong>of</strong> Public <strong>Health</strong>.<br />

Vision<br />

To provide excellent laboratory services essential for patient care and diseases<br />

intervention with accurate, reliable and timely laboratory results and information.<br />

Mission<br />

• Upgrade and equip the Central Laboratory in terms <strong>of</strong> technology and human<br />

resources and make it comparable to any accredited laboratory in the region.<br />

• Upgrade the Regional Referral Hospital laboratories and make them equipped<br />

enough to act as the regional referral laboratories<br />

• Equip all district hospitals and grade I BHU laboratories with basic laboratory<br />

•• services like biochemistry, hematology and blood transfusion.<br />

• Develop different laboratory specialties in terms <strong>of</strong> personnel and services as<br />

required.


Strategies<br />

• Develop and rationally utilize laboratory technologists and technicians.<br />

• Expand pathology, biochemistry and microbiology services at regional referral<br />

and Dzongkhag hospitals including culture facilities.<br />

'. Introduce frozen section services, immunochemistry, cytochemistry,<br />

electrophoresis, and upgrade blood transfusion services in referral hospital<br />

laboratories.<br />

• Standardize levels <strong>of</strong> diagnostic tests done at different levels <strong>of</strong> laboratories<br />

• Establish a Laboratory Quality Assurance (LQA) Unit under the technical<br />

supervision <strong>of</strong> Central Laboratory at JDWNR Hospital.<br />

• Establish a structured sample referral system from the Dzongkhag to NRHIRRH<br />

laboratories.<br />

• Streamline coordination and centralized planning and procurement <strong>of</strong> laboratory<br />

equipments and supplies for the laboratories.<br />

• Streamline and strengthen pre-service training <strong>of</strong>lab technicians at RIHS.<br />

• Establish a computerized laboratory information system.<br />

Present Status<br />

A : M annower:<br />

Class <strong>of</strong> Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Existin Actual Shortage Remarks<br />

g requirement<br />

Pathologist 2 5 3 1 expatriate, 1<br />

under traininl!<br />

Microbiologist 0 3 3 1 MT doing<br />

Micro No MD<br />

Biochemist 0 3 3 Urgent<br />

requirement<br />

Blood bank MO<br />

Medical Technolom.st<br />

Medical Lab. Technicians<br />

1 3 2<br />

4 20 16<br />

84 150 66<br />

B: Existing Services: JDWNR Hospital<br />

• Surgical pathology services catering to the whole country<br />

• Cytopathology services performing gynecological, non-gynecological<br />

cytology and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) services<br />

• Immunohistochemistry services providing 20 basic antibodies for<br />

immunochemistry services.<br />

• Biochemistry and Immunology services form the bulk <strong>of</strong> laboratory<br />

activities. The unit also analyses and reports referred samples from the<br />

districts and RRH especially hormones and tumor markers<br />

• Microbiology services with facility for culture and sensitivity. Often<br />

supports the DoPH in outbreak responses and diseases surveillance<br />

activities.


• Hematology services for routine analysis and bone marrow studies.<br />

• Flow cytometry installed in hematology unit now for CD 4+ and CD8+ T<br />

lymphocytes count to support anti-retroviral therapy.<br />

• Parasitology and urinanalysis services<br />

• Blood Transfusion services with facilities for packed cells, platelets, fresh<br />

frozen plasma transfusion.<br />

• Pre-service and in-service training <strong>of</strong> health workers in laboratory<br />

techniques<br />

• Support public health programs in cervical screening, STD/HIV, CDD<br />

activities,<br />

• Conduct and support operational research<br />

• Disease outbreaks responses<br />

Most <strong>of</strong> the district hospitals and all the RRHs now have basic biochemistry,<br />

hematology and immunology (rapid methods) services. The two RRHs and three other<br />

hospitals have blood storage facilities too.<br />

Cervical Pap smear screening services is available in Mongar, Samtse and Gelephug,<br />

though smear collection can be done almost nationwide now.<br />

Basic <strong>Health</strong> Units I with laboratory technicians have the capability to do tests similar<br />

to the district hospitals. BHUs-II do only urine for sugar and protein, blood for MP,<br />

parasites, hemoglobin and stool microscopy besides sputum for AFB and salt analysis<br />

for iodine contents.<br />

Activitie and achievements in the ast few vears<br />

Patholo and Lab. Services <strong>2004</strong> JDWNRH<br />

Laborator Sections -t--'Iotal tests<br />

1<br />

2<br />

3<br />

..i _<br />

s<br />

6<br />

7<br />

8<br />

9<br />

Microbiology<br />

_lJ~(i8{2__<br />

Hematolo<br />

. __J.2{2.910<br />

Clinical lab.<br />

i. 31,171_<br />

Histo atholo & C 010 _~2,552<br />

Immunology<br />

._.__i._.24~581<br />

Hormone and Body fluids analysis .JL480<br />

Blood bank·<br />

__ 130.i.887<br />

ANC sam les . 10685<br />

Biochemist 236093<br />

I


I<br />

I<br />

I<br />

---~-~<br />

J<br />

,_J<br />

15,000<br />

i<br />

10,000<br />

I<br />

T<br />

I<br />

C Hormone and Body<br />

Fluids Analysis<br />

5,000<br />

Total Tests Performed in <strong>2004</strong> at JDWNRH,<br />

".,.. ••. , tlfl41. ••• IJWf<br />

D Hormone and Bod<br />

Fluids Analysis


• Since 2000, annual intake <strong>of</strong> laboratory technician trainees at RlliS has been<br />

increased to 10 every year (previous intake was 3-4 annually)<br />

• Immunochemistry facility has been introduced in JDWNR Hospital from<br />

<strong>2004</strong><br />

• Biochemistry services at JDWNR hospital has been greatly enhanced with<br />

installation <strong>of</strong> another automated analyzer and one immunology analyzer.<br />

• Histopathology and cytology services at JDWNRH has improved with<br />

introdudion <strong>of</strong> automated tissue processors, cytocentrifuges and automated<br />

stainers.<br />

• Blood bank facilities in Thimphu, Mongar and Gelephug have greatly<br />

improved with provision <strong>of</strong> blood bank refrigerators, plasma expressors and<br />

more technicians trained in blood transfusion. One medical <strong>of</strong>ficer has<br />

joined the blood bank after a diploma in transfusion medicine. Blood policy<br />

has been drafted and standard operating procedure (SOP) manual developed<br />

and distributed to all hospitals.<br />

• Microbiology services with culture facility are available in Thimphu,<br />

Mongar and Gelephug. Microbiology unit at JDWNR Hospital has installed<br />

Bac Tee Alert 3D automated blood culture system, thus shortening the time<br />

required for culture sensitivity.<br />

• A cervical Pap smear programme has been launched covering many <strong>of</strong> the<br />

districts in the country.<br />

Issues and Constraints<br />

• There is an acute manpower shortage at all levels in the laboratory services.<br />

There is an urgent need to train more lab personnel and upgrade existing<br />

technicians to diploma level in various specialties <strong>of</strong>laboratory services.<br />

• The training <strong>of</strong> technicians at RillS needs to be better streamlined by creating a<br />

faculty at RlHS responsible for training laboratory technicians. Alternatively,<br />

teaching members may be identified from the existing manpower in the JDWNR<br />

Hospital laboratory with' designated responsibilities.<br />

• The role <strong>of</strong> Central Laboratory at JDWNRH in upgrading and supporting other<br />

laboratories should be properly defined.<br />

• Most <strong>of</strong> the laboratories in the districts run out <strong>of</strong> reagents in the middle <strong>of</strong> the<br />

year. Equipments break down and services are hindered frequently. There is a<br />

need to strengthen the supplies and maintenance system <strong>of</strong> health equipments by<br />

HERM unit.<br />

• There is no system <strong>of</strong> quality check <strong>of</strong> laboratory activities in the districts as<br />

well as some private laboratories in the country. A Quality Assurance unit has<br />

to be established at JDWNR Hospital laboratory, which will then bring all other<br />

laboratories in the country under the QA system.<br />

• Surgeries are carried out in many hospitals in the country without the intraoperative<br />

pathology consultations. There is need to start frozen section services<br />

at least in the NRH and RRH pathology units.


Hospital associated infections (HAIs) is a major cause <strong>of</strong> mortality, increased morbidity<br />

and emotional stress in hospitalized patients in the developing countries. These account<br />

for significant economic loss and additional burden to health care institutions. WHO<br />

studies have shown that HAIs are reported from hospitals in the Eastern Mediterranean<br />

(11%) and South East Asia (10%) regions. It has also been estimated that at any time<br />

over 1.4 million people worldwide suffer from infectious complications acquired in the<br />

hospitals. In Thailand it was estimated that HAIs cost more than US $ 40 million every<br />

year. ]berefore, the need for efficient infection control program in all health care<br />

settings and capacity building for health care workers have been highlighted due to<br />

CUlTent increase in trends in infectious diseases and sometimes life threatening<br />

infections like severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and reemerging diseases like<br />

plague and tuberculosis. An infection control program helps to put various practices for<br />

prevention <strong>of</strong> spread <strong>of</strong> infections. Lack <strong>of</strong> infection control practices facilitates the<br />

transmission <strong>of</strong> infections from patients to health care workers, other patients and<br />

attendants. Therefore, it is important for all health care workers, patients and family<br />

members, friends and close contacts to adhere to the infection guidelines strictly. It is<br />

also imperative for health care administrators to ensure implementation <strong>of</strong> the infection<br />

control program in health care facilities. Therefore, <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> developed a<br />

National Infection Control and <strong>Health</strong>care Waste Management Programme, based on an<br />

assessment <strong>of</strong> representative sample <strong>of</strong> healthcare facilities and stakeholder<br />

consultations, in October <strong>2004</strong> under Department <strong>of</strong> Medical Services.


The vision <strong>of</strong> IC&HWM program is to strengthen and improve occupational<br />

conditions and reduce disease transmission in health care settings.<br />

health<br />

• Training <strong>of</strong> health care workers in prevention and control <strong>of</strong> Hospital Acquired<br />

Infections<br />

• Advice on isolation procedures and infection control measures<br />

• Investigation <strong>of</strong> outbreaks <strong>of</strong> Hospital Acquired Infections<br />

• Monitoring <strong>of</strong> the Hospital Acquired Infections<br />

• Infection control audit including inspection <strong>of</strong> waste disposal, laundry and<br />

kitchen<br />

• Monitor and advice on the safe use <strong>of</strong> the antibiotics<br />

• Monitoring <strong>of</strong> the staff health to prevent staff to patient and patient to staff<br />

spread <strong>of</strong> infections<br />

• Development <strong>of</strong> clear national policies and guidelines on IC&HWM<br />

• Establishment <strong>of</strong> the Multisectoral National Infection Control Committee at<br />

the central level<br />

• To form Infection Control Teams and Infection Control Nurses in hospitals<br />

and BHUs<br />

• Development and distribution <strong>of</strong> the standards and IEC materials<br />

• Training <strong>of</strong> health workers on Infection Control and <strong>Health</strong> care waste<br />

management<br />

• Procurement <strong>of</strong> supplies and equipments for civil works for environmentally<br />

sound treatment, disposal and management <strong>of</strong> hospital waste.<br />

• Institution <strong>of</strong> system <strong>of</strong> segregation, safe collection, transportation and<br />

disposal <strong>of</strong> waste with minimal contact with patients, health care workers<br />

add general public.<br />

• Regular reporting, monitoring and evaluation <strong>of</strong> implementation <strong>of</strong> Infection<br />

Control and Waste management Plan<br />

• Infection Control Committee has been formed at central level<br />

• Infection control teams have been established in some Ozongkhag hospitals.<br />

• Procurement <strong>of</strong> equipments and protective attires, needle cutters, construction <strong>of</strong><br />

pits at different hospitals is under process<br />

• Revision <strong>of</strong> guideline for infection control for health care settings and training


mcdules is in progress<br />

• IEC materials on Infection control and waste management -in progress<br />

• Lack <strong>of</strong> awareness and knowledge on hospital acquired infections among health<br />

workers and community<br />

• No standards and guidelines on Infection control and hospital waste<br />

management in the health facilities<br />

• No standard and uniform waste disposal system<br />

• Inadequate funds for procurement <strong>of</strong> supplies and equipments.<br />

• Inadequate trained manpower for implementation <strong>of</strong>the activities<br />

• To revise national guideline on Infection Control.<br />

• To develop post exposure prophylaxis policies/guidelines against HN<br />

infection in collaboration with the HIV/AIDS program.<br />

• To develop training modules for Infection Control and Hospital Waste<br />

Management<br />

• To train health workers on Infection control and Hospital waste management<br />

• To revive the infection control link nurses who were trained in 2002<br />

• ,To standardize the waste disposal system for health care facilities at the<br />

earliest<br />

• To implement Infection control system in all the hospitals


Nursing services in Bhutan is the backbone <strong>of</strong> health care delivery system. This<br />

category <strong>of</strong> health workers represents more than 50% <strong>of</strong> the health pr<strong>of</strong>essionals. They<br />

play very significant roles in providing health care services in the hospitals and at the<br />

community level. Nursing is an essential element <strong>of</strong> health services.<br />

Masters<br />

4 (excluding 3 undergoing training)<br />

Bachelor 15<br />

General Nurse Midwife 165<br />

Auxiliarv Nurse Midwife 140<br />

Assistant Nurse 175<br />

Total number <strong>of</strong> nurses 499<br />

\<br />

urses rame In SDeClaIze Ie s<br />

Intensive care unit 13<br />

Nurse anaesthetists 11<br />

Dialvsis 5<br />

ENT 2<br />

Endosconic recention crvo nrocedure 2<br />

OT mana!!ement 2 ,<br />

Psvchiatrv nursin!! 2<br />

Orthopedics nursing 2<br />

Counselinl! 1<br />

Audiolol!v<br />

I<br />

Burns 1<br />

Neonatal intensive care unit<br />

I<br />

Pediatric nursinQ' 1<br />

Nursim! administration<br />

I<br />

OncolollV nursin!! 1<br />

TMT 1<br />

Total 47<br />

Mission statement<br />

To maintain nurses and midwives as a dynamic pr<strong>of</strong>essional workforce<br />

providing quality health care and influencing health development to<br />

promote the quality <strong>of</strong>life for the people <strong>of</strong> Bhutan. .<br />

Aims and objectives<br />

The main aims and objectives <strong>of</strong> nursing services are the following:<br />

• To ensure provision <strong>of</strong> high quality nursing care<br />

• To maintain adequate and competent nursing staff<br />

.- To provide educational opportunities which facilitate personal and<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>essional growth and development in order to improve the<br />

quality <strong>of</strong> health care services.<br />

I<br />

I


Strategies<br />

• Training <strong>of</strong> more nurses in specialized areas<br />

• Periodic in-service trainings to update knowledge and keep pace in<br />

skills as per the demands <strong>of</strong> the changing situations<br />

• Strengthen supervision and staff appraisal<br />

• Strengthen recording and reporting system<br />

• Develop guidelines and manuals for effective management <strong>of</strong><br />

. .<br />

nursmg servIces<br />

Target<br />

To train more nurses on different specialized fields so that nurses take<br />

critical roles to provide quality health care and improve nursing services.<br />

Issues and constraints<br />

There is an acute shortage <strong>of</strong> nurses across the country.<br />

Recommendations<br />

• There is an urgent need to increase number and competence <strong>of</strong><br />

nursing staff to improve the quality <strong>of</strong> services as health care<br />

delivery is highly labor intensive and the Bhutanese patients are<br />

also becoming quality sensitive.<br />

• Establishment <strong>of</strong> a strong system <strong>of</strong> continuing medical education<br />

(CME) as nursing staff must be updated with new knowledge and<br />

skills to keep pace with the dynamic needs/changes in the medical<br />

field.<br />

• There is a need to strengthen faculty and other infrastructure in the<br />

RillS so that intake <strong>of</strong> nursing students can be increased.<br />

• Training <strong>of</strong> more specialized nurses as demanded for expansion or<br />

introduction <strong>of</strong> new services is on the rise.


Nilme <strong>of</strong> Hospit41s/ Bed Patients load,<strong>2004</strong> No <strong>of</strong> Clinicians *2 NurslRf( . Sta iff'-- *3<br />

----<br />

BHUGr1 strength I lR- Out- Specia- GDMO ACO Present Approved<br />

*1 patients patients lists<br />

---<br />

JDWNRH 200 19775 2,49,849 29 7 20 132 129<br />

(15traineesl<br />

Monggar 80 2437 21673 10 2 33 46<br />

Samtse 60 1279 18792 3 2 1 21 30 --~-<br />

Gidakom 60 369 11301 2 1 10 30 ---.<br />

Dewathang 60 1036 13971 3 7 10<br />

Lungtenphu 49 742 10334 1 3<br />

Trashigang 40 819 12950 2 2 2 10 21<br />

Yebilaptsa 40 613 9330 1 1 1 7 45<br />

._-",_.<br />

Wangdi,RBA 40 29600 1 1<br />

-_._-<br />

Paro 40 1794 27285 4 1 20 _ .._ ...<br />

21<br />

Gelephu 40 1818 30441 7 1 21<br />

-<br />

Bumthang 40 412 14419 1<br />

-.<br />

Punakha 40 1553 27042 1 1 14 21<br />

Riserboo 30 596 8154 1 1 0 10<br />

-<br />

S/jongkhar 20 586 18262 1 1 7 21<br />

Lhuntse 20 587 8157 2 1 5 10<br />

T/yangtse 20 603 8726 1 1 5 10<br />

--<br />

Damphu 20 685 20326 2 1 9 10<br />

Pemagatshel 20 654 17342 1 1 4 10<br />

_._-<br />

Tsimalakha 20 892 19439 1 1 1 13 10<br />

Trongsa 20 144 4932 1 1 7 10<br />

----<br />

Sarpang 20 521 26094 1 1 20 4<br />

Gedu,THPC<br />

I<br />

20 807 30642 3 +-- 11 4<br />

Phuntsholing 20 1731 29155 2 2 15 21<br />

- -<br />

Tsimalakiha 20 8.92 19439 1 1 1 13 10<br />

Haa,[IMTRA T] 12 6 1 1 0<br />

-<br />

Gomtu 12 1 4<br />

Sipsoo 10 636 - 13215 1 4 4<br />

Baja 10 12821 1 I<br />

-+<br />

1 10 4<br />

Yongphula 10<br />

---<br />

Bali BHU I 10 297 9197 1 1 6 4<br />

IBFH,Thimphu 5 1 1 0<br />

Note: * 1. As 01'<strong>2004</strong><br />

*2. These figures keep on changing due to transfers, further trainings, etc.<br />

*3. Total strength og GNM, ANM and AN together.


The Primary Eye Care Program was launched in 1987. Initially, Andheri Hilfe, a<br />

German NGO had inputs in the field <strong>of</strong> human resource development and supply <strong>of</strong><br />

ophthalmic instruments and equipments. It also funded the construction <strong>of</strong> the 25-bed<br />

eye hospital at Yebilaptsa, Zhemgang. The project successfully ended in April 2000.<br />

From May 2000, the Himalayan Cataract Project, another NGO agreed to provide<br />

necessary financial support to the program with focus on human resource development<br />

and also to strengthen the facilities for eye care services by supplying instruments and<br />

equipment for the three referral and some district hospitals. The support also extended<br />

in eye care activities such as outreach clinics, eye camps, school health, development<br />

and distribution <strong>of</strong> lEe materials, training <strong>of</strong> health workers etc. The project further<br />

helped in broadening the scope and dimension <strong>of</strong> programme by providing<br />

opportunities for networking with various institutions and ophthalmic experts in and<br />

outside the region.<br />

One <strong>of</strong> the notable achievements during this project period was a corneal ulcer study<br />

where Village <strong>Health</strong> Workers in two Dzongkhags were trained in diagnosis and<br />

treatment <strong>of</strong> corneal trauma under close supervision and monitoring by the programme.<br />

The Himalayan Cataract Project has completed its commitment in April 2005 and again<br />

signed a $ 0.5 million grant MOU with the government for five more years till June<br />

2010.<br />

'Status<br />

Eye care services form part <strong>of</strong> the national health care delivery system and is integrated<br />

with the existing primary health care services. These include eye health promotion<br />

through education, prevention <strong>of</strong> blindness and visual impairment through early<br />

screening and appropriate treatment <strong>of</strong> potentially blinding conditions and rehabilitation<br />

<strong>of</strong> the incurable blind.<br />

Secondary eye care services are provided in all referral hospitals where cataract surgery<br />

and other ophthalmic microsurgery facilities are available. Facilities for YAG laser for<br />

after cataract and glaucoma care and treatment <strong>of</strong> retinopathies have been introduced in<br />

the national referral hospital, Thimphu. There are ophthalmic assistants in all district<br />

hospitals who provide primary eye care services. There is an effective eye patients<br />

referral system, which facilitates early interventions and better outcome <strong>of</strong> treatment.<br />

Though there are indooT patients in all referral hospitals, only the Eye Department in<br />

Thimphu and Yebilaptsa has 20 and 25 beds respectively for inpatients.<br />

There are 4 national and an expatriate ophthalmologis:ts working in the country. There<br />

are 26 ophthalmic assistants who are posted at different district hospitals and BHU<br />

Grade 1.<br />

There are self-financing optical shops functioning at eye department, Thimphu and<br />

referral hospital, Mongar. High quality, low cost spectacles are provided free to students


Besides the routine curative care, ophthalmologists in the national referral hospital are<br />

involved in training <strong>of</strong> ophthalmic assistants. Organizing mobile eye camps and other<br />

community ophthalmic outreach clinics, conducting school eye health and refresher<br />

course for health workers are their additional responsibilities.<br />

No blindness survey has been conducted in Bhutan and hence magnitude <strong>of</strong> the problem<br />

has stili not been ascertained. However, as per WHO estimate, prevalence <strong>of</strong> blindness<br />

in Bhutan is estimated at 0.8% and cataract is still the leading cause <strong>of</strong> preventable<br />

blindness. Corneal blindness due to eye infections following trauma and refractive<br />

errors are also common especially in the younger population.<br />

General: To prevl!/It and control major avoidable blindness, and to make essential<br />

eye care available to all.<br />

Specific objectives:<br />

1. To provide primary eye care services to the whole country<br />

2. To ensure availability and accessibility to effective eye care through referral and<br />

rrW>bileye services to all that are in need.<br />

3. To raise eye health status <strong>of</strong> the population by reducing ocular morbidity and<br />

blindness through IEe, improved referral system, mobile and outreach clinics.<br />

Strategies and activities<br />

1. Human Resource Development<br />

• Training <strong>of</strong> national ophthalmologists and technicians in country, m the<br />

region and beyond<br />

• Training <strong>of</strong> other relevant health personnel in basic eye care<br />

• Training <strong>of</strong>VHWs and community leaders in basic eye care<br />

• Appropriate ophthalmic equipments and instruments will be procured and<br />

supplied to health centers<br />

• Provision <strong>of</strong> refraction services and supply <strong>of</strong> low cost spectacles to school<br />

children and community regularly and during eye camps.<br />

• Through regular eye camps, this will target the un-reached population with<br />

particular emphasis on improving cataract surgical rate and health education<br />

• Through provision <strong>of</strong> instruments, equipments and other supplies as<br />

appropriate for out reach services<br />

• Through provision <strong>of</strong> eye health education in schools in collaboration with<br />

comprehensive school health program and to the community through VHW s<br />

• Development and distribution <strong>of</strong> me materials, manuals and guidelines


• Development <strong>of</strong> an appropriate information system as an integral part <strong>of</strong> the<br />

national health information system to facilitate monitoring and evaluation<br />

• Development <strong>of</strong> guidelines and data collection tools.<br />

• Periodic review <strong>of</strong> the program<br />

• Inadequate national human resource in terms <strong>of</strong> number and technical<br />

capacity<br />

• Emergence <strong>of</strong> new conditions like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy<br />

• Difficult terrain for the needy to access services especially during mobile<br />

camps and outreach activities.<br />

• Inadequate advocacy/IEe for patients for availing services on time.<br />

• Mobile eye camps to be scaled up to operate 3000 cataract cases per year so<br />

as to clear the existing cataract backlog.<br />

• Establishment <strong>of</strong> retinopathy and glaucoma services in the referral hospitals.<br />

• Sustain provision <strong>of</strong> refractive services & low cost spectacles for target<br />

population<br />

• Support in IEe/advocacy activities <strong>of</strong> primary eye care program through<br />

development and dissemination <strong>of</strong> appropriate communication materials and<br />

strategies<br />

• Utilization <strong>of</strong>VHW network in corneal ulcer and other basic eye care in the<br />

community through capacity building


Oral health is an important component <strong>of</strong> general health services in Bhutan. It has also<br />

become clear now that causative or risk factors in oral diseases are <strong>of</strong>ten the same as<br />

those implicated in major general diseases. Thus, oral health promotion .nd oral<br />

diseases prevention should embrace what is termed "the common risk factor approach",<br />

leading to the integration <strong>of</strong> oral health promotion" into a broader health promotion.<br />

Diseases like oral cancers, pre-malignant lesions like sub-mucosal fibrosis, lichen<br />

planus, luekoplakia etc. can also be prevented.<br />

OHP started in the early eighties but due to manpower and financial constraints, nothing<br />

significant was carried out. However, due to the widespread prevalence <strong>of</strong> oral diseases<br />

across the population, oral health programme was recognized under the umbrella <strong>of</strong><br />

WHO assisted programmes. Doctors posted in dental units, who also have clinical<br />

obligations, look after the programme. Till date there is no one appointed as programme<br />

manager for oral health programme.<br />

1. Oral surgeon: 1<br />

2. Dental surgeons: National: 6, Expatriates: 4 .<br />

3 are undergoing P.G. studies.<br />

3. Dental hygienists: 32<br />

4. Dental technicians: 14<br />

5. Dental assistants: 2<br />

The over all objective <strong>of</strong> the OHP is to provide basic oral health services to all the<br />

Bhutanese people.<br />

• Capacity building:<br />

This is focused on the training <strong>of</strong> trainers, dental hygienists and dental auxiliary<br />

staffs in basic community and preventive dentistry to update knowledge, skills<br />

and confidence.<br />

• Reaching the unreachedlhard to reach population<br />

A team in 1999 and 2000 visited Gasa to carry out dental check up and<br />

treatment. A team also visits Laya & Lingshi yearly for dental check up and<br />

treatment.<br />

• Promotion <strong>of</strong> awareness on common oral and peri:6dontal diseases, oral cancers<br />

and basic dietary and social behavioral preventive measures through appropriate<br />

IEC media.


Activities carried out<br />

.• Organizing school oral health programme:<br />

I Yearly a team checks up students and treat minor problems as well as impart<br />

lEe on oral hygiene.<br />

• Targeted interventions are regularly carried out on specified communities,<br />

schools and monastic institutions by the Dzongkhags.<br />

• Annual Art clinic for traumatic restorative technique<br />

• National cleft lip and cleft palate survey is under analysis by Epidemiology&<br />

Research unit under the PPD.<br />

• Annual cleft lip and cleft palate camp is organized annually in collaboration<br />

with WI project, which consists <strong>of</strong> an American plastic surgeon team.<br />

Few proposals<br />

• To carry out a national survey on oral health and DMFf (Decayed, Missing,<br />

Filled up Teeth) data in collaboration with WHO to find out the awareness and<br />

burden <strong>of</strong> oral diseases in the population.<br />

• Fluoridation <strong>of</strong> water in schools and other institutions.<br />

• Systematic evaluation <strong>of</strong> community OHP to ensure effectiveness <strong>of</strong> the<br />

programme and incorporate corrective strategies and activities.<br />

Few issues/constraints<br />

1. Need more doctors to be trained, so that all the districts can be covered.<br />

2. Need to send oral hygienists and technicians for continuing education and<br />

refresher courses in clinical and preventive dentistry in regional institutes<br />

3. Urgent need for proper funding for oral health program activities with ever<br />

increasing morbidity like loss <strong>of</strong> teeth in early age groups, increasing number <strong>of</strong><br />

oral cancers and precancerous lesions <strong>of</strong> the mouth etc.<br />

4. Support in conducting relevant research/studies for evidence based<br />

interventions.


An X-Ray service in the country was started in the mid 1965 with a small 60 mA<br />

machine in the old hospital in Langjuphaka. In 1974 old hospital was shifted t' present<br />

location after which some development took place in the X-Ray unit through<br />

installation <strong>of</strong> 1 500 mA and a small 60 mA X-ray machines. Besides these<br />

installations, the radiology unit also started to train few X-ray technicians and darkroom<br />

assistant in basic radiography. In 1975 some major development took place in the<br />

District hospitals too by installation <strong>of</strong> X-Ray machines in Trashigang, Gelephug,<br />

Samtse, Sarpang. Radiographers from outside fan all these machines.<br />

In 1980 radiographer course was introduced in the radiology unit on a regular basis.<br />

Contrast examinations like barium meal studies E.G. barium meal, barium enema,<br />

barium follow through, IVU, OCG, HSG etc were also initiated. In 1985, all training<br />

activities were handed over to the then <strong>Health</strong> School, (RlHS now) and the first batch <strong>of</strong><br />

qualified Radiographers graduated from the <strong>Health</strong> School in 1987. Every year about 6-<br />

8 radiographers graduate from the RIHS. By 1989, the first national radiologist joined<br />

the Radiology Department following which installation <strong>of</strong> X-Ray units in almost all<br />

District Hospitals occurred. By 1990, almost all the contrast radiography examinations<br />

were introduced such as urography, venography, T-tube cholangi<strong>of</strong>,Tfam,myleography<br />

and sonography etc. By mid 1994, ultrasound facilities were introduced in the<br />

JDWNRHospital.<br />

By 1995, almost all the old X-ray machines in the JDWNRH and Districts hospital were<br />

replaced by new and advanced X-Ray machines with I.I.TV monitor and fluoroscopy<br />

facilities.<br />

By mid 1996 another national radiologist joined the Radiology Department. By, <strong>2004</strong><br />

almost all the District hospitals and BHU grade 1 were also equipped with X-Ray and<br />

ultrasound facilities.<br />

Now we have 2 national radiologists and 1 expatriate radiologist on contract. All<br />

together, there are 33 radiographers working across the country.<br />

Some recent milestones<br />

• A color doppler and telemedicine system in the Radiology department were<br />

installed in <strong>2004</strong>.<br />

• 2 staffs have been trained to handle the color doppler ultrasound machine.<br />

• 1 Radiologist is undergoing CT&MRI training for 2 years in Thailand and 3<br />

radiographers have already been trained in CT & MRI.<br />

• Another 3 radiographers each has been trained in contrast radiography and<br />

~ ultrasound.<br />

• 1 radiographer underwent medical radiological technology trai:ling through<br />

nCAin 1995.<br />

• . At present, 1 radiographer is undergoing 2 years diploma course in ultrasound.


• There is proposal for the introduction <strong>of</strong> CT and MRI in JDWNRH and CT scan<br />

services at ERRH, Mongar soon.<br />

• Expansion and standardization <strong>of</strong> ultrasound services in the country.<br />

• More radiologists and ultrasound technologists are under process for advanced<br />

courses outside.<br />

• There is an acute shortage <strong>of</strong> human resources in radiology services.<br />

• Procuring and updating radiological equipments as per advances in the field is a<br />

challenge<br />

Maintenance <strong>of</strong> the existing equipments is <strong>of</strong>ten difficult and this hampers in the provision <strong>of</strong>


History<br />

In the 1990s, radio telephonic linkages were established in order to connect the remote<br />

Basic <strong>Health</strong> Units (BHUs) and hospitals that are scattered all over the country.<br />

Telemedicine was incepted when Dr. H.Nakajima the then DG <strong>of</strong> WHO had an<br />

audience with His Majesty the King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck in 1997. It was fUlther<br />

strengthened when internet was introduced in the country in June, 1999.<br />

The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BTD) <strong>of</strong> the International<br />

Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 1999 started a pilot project on Multipurpose<br />

Community Telecenter (MCT) wherein Telemedicine was one <strong>of</strong> the components. In<br />

conjunction with the MCT project, a teleradiology project was initiated in 1999-2000<br />

by connecting the district hospital at Jakar to the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National<br />

Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) in Thimphu. The X-Ray image and ECG image<br />

transmissions were carried out successfully, thereby, demonstrating the applicability <strong>of</strong><br />

the technology.<br />

In November 2000, the two major referral hospitals at Mongar in the east and the JDW<br />

in the west were connected. Consultations in different fields <strong>of</strong> specialties like<br />

Radiology, Dermatology, Medical, Orthopedics, Surgical, Pediatric, Psychiatry,<br />

Pathology etc. were carried out and monitored monthly based on the consultation<br />

reports. Soon Gelephug district hospital was also connected to the internet and thereby<br />

provided with X-Ray digitizer and digital camera to carry out necessary telemedicine<br />

consul tations.<br />

In March 2003, the East Bhutan Tele-ECG' project was carried out in close<br />

collaboration with the Tokai University <strong>of</strong> Medical Sciences, Japan through the<br />

Japanese grant for Grassroot Projects (GGP). Necessary trainings were provided with<br />

support <strong>of</strong> the TeIemedicine Society <strong>of</strong> Japan (TSJ). The Trashiyangtse and Lhuentse<br />

sites were provided with multipurpose equipment with analyzer s<strong>of</strong>tware for ECG,<br />

Cardioechogram and Phonocardiogram. The connection bi:l ween these two hospitals<br />

and the referral hospitals is done through the dial-up connection via the local PSTN.<br />

Since there are only one cardiologist in the country, the doctors from these two sites<br />

consulted cases to the APT 2 nd Opinion Center housed in Tokai University, Japan for<br />

correct and prompt diagnosis.<br />

Inorder to monitor and guide the development <strong>of</strong> the project, a <strong>Health</strong> Telematics<br />

Taskforce was formed in April 2000 with personnel from the <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong>,<br />

hospitals and WHO country <strong>of</strong>fice under the chairmanship <strong>of</strong> the Director <strong>of</strong><br />

Department <strong>of</strong> Medical Services. It has been further strengthened with members<br />

included from the <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> Information and Communication and other relevant staffs<br />

from the <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Ministry</strong>.


In order to overcome some <strong>of</strong> the difficulties and constraints that the health sector is<br />

facing, te1emedicine was always looked upon as an efficient and cost effective<br />

alternative to ensure quality health care services to the Bhutanese population.<br />

• To improve diagnostic capacity <strong>of</strong> District hospitals<br />

• To reduce patient referrals by back stopping them through consultative management<br />

• To provide a forum for continuing medical education (CME) in the Hospitals<br />

• To improve <strong>Health</strong> Information System<br />

The overall objective is to improve the quality <strong>of</strong> the life <strong>of</strong> the Bhutanese peoples especially ir<br />

remote areas.<br />

The past five-year plans have placed greater emphasis on the Primary <strong>Health</strong> Care approach anc<br />

thus achieved the basic health coverage <strong>of</strong> about 90%. A major focus in the Ninth Plan i~<br />

improvement in the quality <strong>of</strong> health care services with improvement <strong>of</strong> secondary and tertiaI)<br />

care without compromising the primary health care approach. As such the objectives will directl)<br />

contribute significantly to the overall national health policy objectives.<br />

At present, there are five sites furnished with the neCessary telernedicine equipments<br />

engaged in full swing teleconsultations. There were a total <strong>of</strong> 363 consultations since<br />

September 2001 till Feb <strong>2004</strong> as is reflected in the pie chart below.<br />

RadiOlogy<br />

36%<br />

As seen above, tele-radiology with 134 consultations (36%) is the most common<br />

followed by Medical consultations (21%), then Dermatology (15%), Orthopedics and<br />

Surgical follow with 9% and 6% respectively.


Some <strong>of</strong> the main constraints faced in the development <strong>of</strong> this important service are the<br />

inadequate financial resources for infrastructure expansion to cover all the strategic<br />

health centers. The expansion is also limited as there has to be coordination and<br />

compatibility with the over all enhancement <strong>of</strong> the IT and telecom system in the<br />

country. Inadequate capacity in terms <strong>of</strong> trained manpower is another constraint in the<br />

overall drive for the enhancement <strong>of</strong> the telemedicine services in Bhutan.<br />

As reflected, tele-radiology is very popular in Bhutan. Currently, film digitizer is used<br />

to acquire digital image <strong>of</strong> the X-Ray film taken in a conventional machine. Use <strong>of</strong><br />

computerized radiology technology will be cost effective and convenient in the long run<br />

as it will get rid <strong>of</strong> many recurrent expenses like reagents and chemicals as well as<br />

reduce repeated exposure <strong>of</strong> patients to the X-Ray. Further, it will bring about faster<br />

service and economize space. Therefore, the next step for the telematics project would<br />

be to opt for a computerized radiology and go for digital radiographic equipment.<br />

A grand master plan for the Bhutan <strong>Health</strong> Telematics Project needs to be developed<br />

whereby an ideal, fully networked telematics is visualized with complete human<br />

resource plans as well as equipments at each health care level drawn out.<br />

Bhutan <strong>Health</strong> Te1ematics services has to progress in collaboration 'with the Bhutan<br />

Telecom and its level <strong>of</strong> development. Hence it will take decades to achieve a fully<br />

networked Telematics environment. Therefore, the study <strong>of</strong> possibility <strong>of</strong> wireless<br />

communication for health and the telemedicine in particular is being explored.


Diabetes is one <strong>of</strong> the fast upcoming non~communicable diseases in Bhutan. There were<br />

446 cases in 2001,701 in 2002,indicating a rising trend. In 2002 to 2003,diabetes<br />

mellitus formed 1.5% <strong>of</strong> the referred cases outside and 2.45 <strong>of</strong> the referral expenditure.<br />

2.4% <strong>of</strong> referred cases for the same year were for renal failure, incurring 13.8% <strong>of</strong><br />

overall referral cost. A significant number <strong>of</strong> these cases would be the sequel <strong>of</strong><br />

diabetes mellitus.<br />

World Diabetes Foundation is an NGO that has granted US$ 390,000 as a grant for<br />

establishment <strong>of</strong> diabetes health care services in Bhutan with the view to, improve<br />

access to proper diabetes care by establishing diabetes clinics in the referral hospitals,<br />

improve knowledge <strong>of</strong> diabetes management among the staff by training and giving the<br />

general population information materials and organizing awareness campaigns. The<br />

project period is from July 2005 to June 2008. Bangladesh Institute <strong>of</strong> Research and<br />

Rehabilitation in Diabetes (BIRDEM), has been identified as the tutor institute for<br />

training and other technical support.<br />

To ensure optimal case management <strong>of</strong> diabetes mellitus, delay and prevent onset <strong>of</strong><br />

complications and delay onset <strong>of</strong> disease in potential diabetics.<br />

To improve access to proper diabetes and hypertension care by establishing<br />

clinics at tWoreferral hospitals.<br />

To improve knowledge <strong>of</strong> diabetes and hypertension management among health<br />

service providers.<br />

To give general population information on diabetes and hypertension, their<br />

prevention, by developing health information and communication materials,<br />

campaigns!advocacy.<br />

To involve relevant divisions in the establishment and streamlining <strong>of</strong> diabetes<br />

and hypertension services i.e. JDWNRH, RIHS, Information, Communication<br />

Bureau (ICB), Mongar referral hospital<br />

Plans and activities<br />

• Study tour for sensitizing relevant hospital administrators and care providers at<br />

BIRDEM, Dhaka.<br />

• Setting up <strong>of</strong> a diabetes and hypertension clinic at JDWNRH and by th~ end <strong>of</strong><br />

2006,one more clinic at ERRH, Mongar.<br />

• Development and dissemination <strong>of</strong> mc materials/messages, development <strong>of</strong><br />

training materials, manuals/guidelines etc.<br />

• Training <strong>of</strong> relevant health workers for management <strong>of</strong> diabetes & hypertension.<br />

• To conduct a baseline survey for NCD risk factors in collaboration with DoPH.


Perinatal medicine services are going to be an important aspect <strong>of</strong> the Maternal and<br />

Child <strong>Health</strong> (MCH) services in Bhutan. Morbidity data for 1999 in general and<br />

maternal mortality data in 2001 and 2002 show that nearly half <strong>of</strong> the deaths o( ~urred in<br />

health facilities and were from preventable causes. Basic maternity care facilities in<br />

particular, the delivery unit, clinic areas including space for ultrasound services must be<br />

built in all the health facilities. Also there can be no improvement in the reduction <strong>of</strong><br />

these morbidity and mortality status if perinatal care is based only in and around the<br />

referral and larger hospitals in the country.<br />

The Magee Family, a non-governmental organization based in the United Kingdom has<br />

granted an amount <strong>of</strong>US$ 350,000 to the RGoB for establishment <strong>of</strong> perinatal medicine<br />

services in Bhutan as a project for seven years. The project will support the building <strong>of</strong><br />

a new maternity unit with specific focus on perinatal services, human resource<br />

development through trainings, procurement <strong>of</strong> supplies (a high resolution ultrasound<br />

machine for JDWNRH, Thimphu) and developing an outreach obstetric referral system.<br />

The outreach referral system will be enhanced by the use <strong>of</strong> ultrasound machines for<br />

early detection <strong>of</strong> fetal abnormalities and maternal complications. Computerized record<br />

system for perinatal services will also be enhanced through this project. The projected<br />

has started in Isl January 2005 and will end in December 2012.<br />

The Department <strong>of</strong> Medicine Services will be coordinating and implementing the<br />

project with a gynecologist trained in perinatal medicine at the JDWNRH as the<br />

technical advisor. A preliminary evaluation <strong>of</strong> the project will be performed at the third<br />

year and the final evaluation <strong>of</strong> project goals and objectives will be carried out at the<br />

end <strong>of</strong> the project period.<br />

To prevent or reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality from high risk<br />

factors during pregnancy or delivery by establishment <strong>of</strong> perinatal ultrasound scanning<br />

services at the peripheral health centers and by having access through the referral<br />

system <strong>of</strong> all high risk patients for specialized perinatal medicine services at JDWNRH.<br />

This hospital will act as an effective base for perinatal medicine services in Bhutan.<br />

• All high-risk pregnant women have access through referral system for quality<br />

obstetric care at JDWNRH by setting up perinatal service base there.<br />

• The development <strong>of</strong> laboratory support for perinatal medicine as an important<br />

component <strong>of</strong> the new hospital.<br />

• All pregnant women in labour at JDWNRH will have access to improved<br />

delivery facilities and practices including effective pain relief in labour and


timely caesarian section in dedicated operating theatres and a High Dependency<br />

unit appropriately staffed and equipped.<br />

• Stalt high-risk satellite clinics backed up by perinatal ultrasound services in<br />

Paro, Punakha and Phuntsholing hospitals.<br />

• Develop clinical perinatal database and protocols for standardized services.<br />

Through development <strong>of</strong> human resources to support the project and related<br />

activities. Training and retraining <strong>of</strong> sonographers and technicians will be a<br />

priority.<br />

By purchasing essential equipments including a new high-resolution obstetric<br />

ultrasound machine with full service contract and after sales service. Supplying<br />

some selected BHUs in cold places with panel/kerosene heaters will be taken up<br />

to facilitate institutional deliveries. Later on, all the BHUs must be covered from<br />

other funding sources.<br />

By establishing perinatal medicine services at JDWNRH to cater as referral and<br />

training center.<br />

Through establishment <strong>of</strong> regional and district high-risk obstetric ultrasound<br />

services to support the referral process.<br />

By improving the existing obstetric services with establishment <strong>of</strong> a high<br />

dependency unit and introduction <strong>of</strong> epidural service for effective pain relief<br />

during labour.


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Over the decades, since the planned development activities started, Bhutan has made noticeable<br />

progress in improving the quality <strong>of</strong>life <strong>of</strong> the people <strong>of</strong> Bhutan. This was possible because <strong>of</strong> the<br />

coordinated and public orientated effort <strong>of</strong> the various sectors <strong>of</strong> government functionaries.<br />

The contributions from the <strong>Health</strong> Sector are evident by the gradual and steady improvement in the<br />

important health indicators like, life expectancy at birth, infant and under 5 mortality rates, maternal<br />

mortality rates, access to <strong>Health</strong> Care Services ihcluding improvement in human resource etc.<br />

Reproductive <strong>Health</strong>(RH) Care is one <strong>of</strong> the important programme in the <strong>Health</strong> Care Services<br />

introduced in the country as early as 1971. The RH programme has played a critical role along with<br />

other programs and activities in improving the quality <strong>of</strong> life <strong>of</strong> the people. Reduction in Maternal<br />

Mortality Ratio, Infant mortality, improvement in fertility rates and gradual reduction in growth rates<br />

are some <strong>of</strong> the notable achievements during these decades.<br />

In this report, some planned and routine activities carried out in the year <strong>2004</strong> that has directly or<br />

indirectly influenced the achievements <strong>of</strong> Reproductive health are discussed.<br />

Immediate objectives for the year <strong>2004</strong>.<br />

1. To increase the access to reproductive health services.<br />

2. To procure and supply essentials equipments/instruments and contraceptives.<br />

3. To improve skill and knowledge <strong>of</strong> health workers.<br />

4. To generate communities support to the programme and increase knowledge about<br />

reproductive health.<br />

5. To provide quality reproductive health services and increased utilisation <strong>of</strong> health<br />

facilities.<br />

Construction:<br />

• Construction <strong>of</strong> 320RCs initiated<br />

• Essential equipment for 24 ORCs procured and distributed to all newly constructed<br />

ORCs.<br />

• Contraceptives procured and distributed to all the dzongkhags. In addition<br />

Emergency Contraceptive pills have been procured and will soon be distributed as per<br />

the guidelines.<br />

• Procurement <strong>of</strong> non-expendable medical equipment to the district hospitals.


• 11 new doctors trained on Basic EmOC<br />

• Training <strong>of</strong> trainers on revised Midwifery Standard completed<br />

• Training <strong>of</strong> trainers on reproductive tract infections(RTI)/sexually transmitted<br />

infections(STn and post abortion management.<br />

Training outside country:<br />

• Training <strong>of</strong> 4 Nurses in giving Anesthesia in Bangkok for 13 months.<br />

• Two doctors trained on Emergency Opstetric Care at CMC,Vellore,India<br />

Development and printing:<br />

• Posters and leaflets on five danger signs <strong>of</strong> pregnancy printed and distributed to the<br />

dzongkhags<br />

• Revision <strong>of</strong> National Medical Standard for Contraceptives Services and Cervical<br />

cancer guidelines completed<br />

• Development and printing <strong>of</strong> The Manual on Infertility Management and Standard<br />

Guidelines for health workers on Management <strong>of</strong> Complications <strong>of</strong> Abortion.<br />

a e . on aCeD!ve users or e vear an<br />

Methods Total- 2003 <strong>2004</strong><br />

Tubectomv 1049 1364<br />

VasectomY 4636 4919<br />

IUD 25669 2111<br />

OCP 14403 18807<br />

DMPA 51027 40745<br />

Considering the existing CPR (30.7%) and contraceptive method mix (VO -44%, TL - 10%, IUD -<br />

11%, OCP ~ 11%, DMPA - 19% and condom - 4%), none <strong>of</strong> the method utilization as shown in the<br />

table are consistent. The 2111 IUD users probably depict new users. For OCP about 5500 women are<br />

expected to use the method with the total consumption <strong>of</strong> 66,000 cycles <strong>of</strong> OCPs, if all <strong>of</strong> them used<br />

the method for 1 year. However only 15,89-0cycles <strong>of</strong>OCPs were used during the year. The 40,745<br />

DMPA users probably connotes total no. <strong>of</strong> DMPA injection given, because at the current rate (19<br />

%) <strong>of</strong> DMPA users, about 38,000 injections are expected to be used in a year. Information on<br />

permanent method users could not be retrieved.<br />

The study carried out in 3 gewogs in the 3 different regions <strong>of</strong> the country gives a very faint idea<br />

about current family planning service situation at community level. However, the findings may not<br />

hold good for all the communities in the country. The compiled study report is attached.


A. Antenatal Care:<br />

Table 2. ANC attendance 2002-<strong>2004</strong><br />

ANC<br />

2002 2003 <strong>2004</strong><br />

Total new attendance 10.594 12587 13656<br />

Total reDeat attendance 39451 37077 45148<br />

Average No. <strong>of</strong> visit (no.<strong>of</strong>times) 3.7 2.9 3.3<br />

During the year 13,815 women attended the clinic at least once and there were a total <strong>of</strong> 45,819<br />

visits. The new attendance shows a significant improvement both in absolute numbers and<br />

proportion attending ANC (63% <strong>of</strong> expected pregnant woman). Average no. <strong>of</strong> visits per woman<br />

(3.3) also shows marginal improvement.<br />

Incidence reported like abortion, PIH and APH are inconsistent and inconclusive. However abortion<br />

remains to be the most common complications encountered during pregnancy. Anaemia though<br />

encountered frequently during day-to-day practice are clumped in other group, therefore it is<br />

impossible to comment on the trend.<br />

2001 2002 2003 <strong>2004</strong><br />

Total attended deliveries - 6256 6290 7120<br />

-<br />

Normal deliveries 6028 --<br />

j5580 5625 6173<br />

Still birth 97 154 78 110<br />

I<br />

Neonatal death - - 23 55<br />

Birth weight«2.5kQ) - - 218 303<br />

~<br />

Ceasarian Section - - 539 783<br />

Assisted deliveries - - 126 164<br />

The number <strong>of</strong> attended deliveries shows a significant improvement in absolute numbers in the year<br />

<strong>2004</strong>. There were 7141 attended deliveries in the year, however no proportional increase is observed.<br />

About 1 % <strong>of</strong> the attended births were stillbirths and 3% <strong>of</strong> babies born are below normal weight<br />

(2.5kg). The caesarian section rate among attended deliveries is 11% and about 3% are assisted<br />

vaginal deliveries (forceps and vacuum deliveries).


Type<br />

<strong>of</strong><br />

-. .<br />

complications 2001 2002 2003 <strong>2004</strong><br />

Total °/0 Total %- Total ___o/!!-~_ J!!t~--~---_<br />

• I<br />

Abortion 125 5.4 311 12.1 464 30.5 579 i 21.2<br />

-._.~.. - ··1- -.~~<br />

A.P.H 15 0.8 56 2.2 111 7.3 __11..8.. __..----±l<br />

P.I.H 102 4.5 100 3.8 254 16.7 f---- 365 I<br />

-<br />

13.4<br />

Anaemia 1983 88.2 2101 81.5<br />

Henatitis 1 0.1<br />

f------- -_. ---_ .._.<br />

Malaria 6 0.3<br />

----<br />

Others 17 0.8 690 10.5 1663 6UL<br />

Total 2249 100% 1519 I 27251 .....-<br />

257[= ~~<br />

I<br />

---·T-----<br />

LiQO~____ J<br />

Complication _2001 2002 2003<br />

Total °/0 ... Total % Total % Total 0/c,<br />

I<br />

Obstructed labour 41 17.6 100 12.7 80 11.4 I 222_ _18.3<br />

Mal presentation 59 25.4 130 16.6 104 14.8j---ill 9.3<br />

Prolonged labour/ I<br />

runtured uterus 2 0.8 152 19.4 204 29.1 267 22.4<br />

PPH 49 21.5 113 14.3 145 20.6 183 15.1<br />

Retained Placenta Sl __ 34.2.. 288 36.8 249 35.5 332 27.4<br />

Puemerl Sepsis -_._-- f-------- ----_. 93 7.7<br />

I<br />

Total 232<br />

I<br />

..~- .._~ 783 702 1210<br />

Prolonged labour, PPH, obstructed labour and mal presentations are common problems encountered,<br />

in order <strong>of</strong> frequency.<br />

Information about post-natal care is not available. However problems/complications like retained<br />

placenta and puerperal sepsis are quite common.<br />

--<br />

There were 15,380 new attendances and a total <strong>of</strong> 136,095 repeat visits with an average <strong>of</strong>9 visits by<br />

each child. Repeat visits above the age <strong>of</strong> I year, though expected to be high, still remains low.<br />

There are 150416 instances <strong>of</strong> weighing infants and children attending clinics. In about 17% <strong>of</strong><br />

instarl'ces, overweight was encountered and under nutrition in about 9% <strong>of</strong> instances. Severe<br />

malnutrition is very rare. (Less than 1% <strong>of</strong> instances).


80%( 13011 infants) <strong>of</strong> estimated infants received all the vaccines provided within the first year <strong>of</strong><br />

birth. Dropout rates are within limits <strong>of</strong> accepted range (BeG to Measles = 6.3%, DPTI to DPT3 =<br />

3.6%).<br />

Among the vaccine preventable diseases in the year, 68 Measles and 22 Tetanus cases were reported.<br />

Among the measles cases, majority <strong>of</strong> the cases were in above 5 yrs old population. Only one<br />

Tetanus case under 5 years old population was reported, however it is not known whether it was<br />

neonatal death or not.<br />

Table 6. ¥carlv Cervical Cvtoloi!v. JDWNRII 2003 and <strong>2004</strong><br />

Year Normal Inflamm ••tion<br />

Nonpccific<br />

Soccific Actipo Atrophic LSIL LSIL HSIL HSIL<br />

nflammat<br />

Cervlcitl<br />

in BV TV Yeast mvcetes lHeroes • ASCUS AGUS HPV CINII IrIN HI Unsat<br />

2003 1532 674 212 117 33 3 2 49 20 32 8 36 102 1 150<br />

<strong>2004</strong> 3479 920 755 214 20 8 1 61 14 9 7 18 32 4 392<br />

Year.<br />

torm<br />

..I -1ft n<br />

Son-Specifi So •.•.ifi. Actlno Atrophic LSIL LSIL HSIL HSTL<br />

nflammatoi<br />

n BV TV Yeast mvcetes !Hero ••• r"rvicitis ASCl;S AGl:S HPV CINII £:1'.11I Unsat<br />

2003 I S02 338 34 23 II II I 6 I 3 2 6 38 3 169<br />

<strong>2004</strong> I 2677 1003 472 125 13 4 6 21 2 7 2 20 2J 1 663<br />

The number <strong>of</strong> screening at JDWNRH and the districts are increasing. The percentage <strong>of</strong> abnormal<br />

smears at both JDWNRH and other centers are about 1% <strong>of</strong> the total slides examined.<br />

Unsatisfactory slides, particularly from the districts are exceptionally high (13%).<br />

Though the information on age <strong>of</strong> women is not available from the districts, looking at JDWNRH<br />

records, it is revealed that majority <strong>of</strong> the women are in the age group 20-29 years <strong>of</strong> age.<br />

Table 8. A<br />

Age group<br />

<strong>of</strong> women screened in <strong>2004</strong><br />

Total Smear<br />

20 - 29<br />

30 - 39<br />

40-49<br />

50 and above


Complied<br />

by: Dr. K.C Buragohain, JDWNRH, RHU<br />

Mr. Sonam Wangdi,APO,RH<br />

The programme would like to extend our gratitude for the guidance, help and co-operation from the<br />

following <strong>of</strong>ficers and staff at different stages <strong>of</strong> this study.<br />

1. DMOIDHSO Trashigang,Sarpang, and Punakha Dzongkhag<br />

2. HAJANM/BHW- Kanglung, Norbuling and Kabesa BHUs<br />

This report would not have been possible without the untiring efforts <strong>of</strong> the trainees and facilitators<br />

<strong>of</strong> RH training conducted at Kanglung BHU, Gaylegphug NMCP training center and Punakha<br />

hospital<br />

Contraceptive prevalence rate and fertility rates are two critical indicators <strong>of</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> family<br />

planning services provided to the communities. In many <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Health</strong> facilities there was an<br />

observed lack <strong>of</strong> understanding about source <strong>of</strong> information and estimation <strong>of</strong> these indicators.<br />

The RH training <strong>of</strong> the trainers in three regions- Kanglung for eastern region, Geylegphug for Central<br />

region and Punakha for western region provided good opportunity to train the trainers as a part <strong>of</strong> the<br />

training. It was felt tlult the same training CQu14be carri~ out when district level training is taken up<br />

in respective district.<br />

1. To train the participants on how to estimate Contraceptive Prevalence Rate and Fertility Rate.<br />

2. To estimate Contraceptive Prevalence Rate and method use in these gewogs<br />

3. To find out the common problems faced by the women while using the family planning<br />

methods and reasons for not using.<br />

At the time <strong>of</strong> the training it was not possible to visit each and every household in the areas <strong>of</strong> the<br />

BHUs located in those gewogs. To make the study statistically significant for the areas the strategy <strong>of</strong><br />

thirty clusters randomized sample survey was adopted. Each household was considered to be a unit.<br />

The households were arbitrarily numbered from the village household information available in the<br />

BHUs <strong>of</strong> the area. The first household in each cluster was selected randomly and continued with next<br />

nearest house till required numbers <strong>of</strong> women were interviewed. Seven women <strong>of</strong>reprodYctive age<br />

(15-49 years <strong>of</strong> age) from each cluster were interviewed for collection <strong>of</strong> information.<br />

Standard tools to collect information was developed which contained information on total


population, family planning practices among women <strong>of</strong> reproductive age irrespective <strong>of</strong> their marital<br />

status, reasons for not using contraceptive method, problems faced during use <strong>of</strong> methods and state<br />

<strong>of</strong> fertility in the past 1 year.<br />

The trainees were selected as surveyors and were trained on the survey methodology including<br />

practical sessions in the form <strong>of</strong> a role-play. Each surveyor was assigned a minimum <strong>of</strong> 2 clusters<br />

and was provided with a guide to identify the clusters.<br />

The information so collected were tabulated and analysed manually to make it more user friendly.<br />

The findings <strong>of</strong> the studies are discussed below.<br />

a. Total households visited:<br />

A total <strong>of</strong> 490 house holds, 140 in Norbuling, 168 in Kabisa and 182 in Kanglung gewog; were<br />

visited to interviewed 635 women (210,212 and 213 women respectively at Kanglung , Norbuling<br />

and Kabisa gewogs). On an average 1.3 women were interviewed per-house hold.<br />

a e . AQe an sex Istn ution 0 enumerate ODU a on:<br />

PODulation enumerated<br />

Age Sex Kanglung Norbulingl Kabisal Total Percentage<br />

Gratap Geog Chusegang Samazinkka<br />

Geog<br />

Geog<br />

M 252 176 180 608 21.03<br />

0-14 F 211 190 206 607 20.99<br />

M 37 39 30 106 3.66<br />

15 - 19 F 48 52 56 156 5.39<br />

M 19 25 20 64 2.21<br />

20-24 F 46 57 43 146 5.05<br />

M 35 18 27 80 2.76<br />

25 - 29 F 44 32 - 50 126 4.35<br />

M 38 15 23 76 2.62<br />

30 - 34 F 47 33 43 123 4.25<br />

M 33 22 17 72 2.49<br />

35 - 39 F 37 33 27 97 3.35<br />

M 24 16 21 61 2.11<br />

40-44 F 23 24 28 136 4.70<br />

M 14 22 25 61 2.11<br />

45 - 49 F 15 32 28 75 2.59<br />

50 and > M 50 60 79 189 6.53<br />

F 39 49 . 81 169 5.84<br />

tl12 895 984 2891 100<br />

Total<br />

There was a total count <strong>of</strong> 2891people that were actually residing in the various hO'lseholds visited at<br />

the time <strong>of</strong> survey. Among the occupants 1317 were males and rest (1574) were women<br />

(female/I 000 male =1195). The major fraction <strong>of</strong> population belonged to age group 0-14 (42%).


About 30% (29.71%) <strong>of</strong> the population presently living in those area are women <strong>of</strong> reproductive age<br />

(15- 49 years). Only about 12% <strong>of</strong> the population are 50 years or above.<br />

a e . .!!e Istn uti on and ontraceptive use rate:<br />

SI. Age<br />

No. group No. <strong>of</strong> women interviewed Total Percentage<br />

Klunv* N.lin!!** Kabesa*** Total Klun!! N.lin!! Kabesa<br />

1 15-19 19 35 29 83 2 5 0 7 8.43<br />

2 20-24 32 42 41 115 13 13 8 34 29.56<br />

3 25-29 43 27 40 110 23 16 8 47 42.73<br />

4 30-34 46 30 32 108 26 16 15 57 52.77<br />

5 35-39 36 29 27 92 23 23 11 57 61.95<br />

6 40-44 19 22 23 64 9 15 11 35 54.68<br />

7 45-49 15 27 21 63 I 5 14 8 27 42.85<br />

Total 210 212 213 635 101 102 61 264 41.57<br />

During the study, all women interviewed irrespective <strong>of</strong> their marital status; were asked about their<br />

current contraceptive practice. Out <strong>of</strong> the total 635 women interviewed 264 women were using<br />

(41.57%) some modern method <strong>of</strong> contraceptive. Kanglung and Norbuling gewogs had a CPR <strong>of</strong><br />

48%; it was lowest at Kabisa gewog at 28%. The highest No. <strong>of</strong> acceptors are in the age group 35-<br />

39 years(62%) and gradually declines with advancing age; only 43% <strong>of</strong> women <strong>of</strong> age group 45-49<br />

years are using some form <strong>of</strong> contraceptive. The Contraceptive practice increases with increasing<br />

age from 15 years to 35 years. It was found to be lowest (8.43%) in the age group 15-19 years.<br />

d. Contraceptive Choice:<br />

Table 11. Contracemtive meth 0d mIX .<br />

SI.<br />

No. Method Total number <strong>of</strong> user Total Percentage<br />

N.lingl Kabesal<br />

K.lun!! C/!!an!! Samazingkha<br />

1 Condoms 0 2 0 2 0.76<br />

2 Oral Pills 4 11 5 20 7.6<br />

3 DMPA 60 29 22 112 42.58<br />

4 ruCD 11 7 4 22 8.36<br />

5 Vasectomy 22 29 23 74 28.13<br />

6 Tubal Ligation 4 23 7 34 12.92<br />

7 Others 0 0 0 0 0<br />

Total 101 101 61 263 100


Among the modem methods <strong>of</strong> contraceptives, DMPA is the most widely used methods <strong>of</strong><br />

contraceptive (43%), followed by vasectomy 28%. Tubal ligation is used by about 13% <strong>of</strong> the<br />

women. The use <strong>of</strong> oral pills and IUeD are 7.6% and 8.36% respectively. Only 0.76% <strong>of</strong> the women<br />

are using male condom as a method <strong>of</strong> contraceptive. Use <strong>of</strong> any other methods <strong>of</strong> contraception was<br />

not recorded at the time <strong>of</strong> study.<br />

Three hundred seventy-one women who were non-users <strong>of</strong> contraceptive at the time <strong>of</strong> the study<br />

were asked for reason for not using. Currently not married was the most common reason for not<br />

using any methods (23%). Want more children (11.32%), Breast<br />

feeding> 6 wks (9.16%) and pregnant(8.08%) are the other common reasons. About 5% <strong>of</strong> the<br />

women interviewed were not using any methods as they were unable to conceive and another 5% <strong>of</strong><br />

the women were afraid <strong>of</strong> side effects. Attitude <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Health</strong> Worker and genders were not found to<br />

be reason for not utilizing FP services.<br />

Other reasons for not using F.P are divorced/separated, will not get pregnant, waiting for<br />

menstruation, thinks method will not suit, missed date for injection, menopause and undecided.<br />

Total number<br />

SLNO Reasons <strong>of</strong> women Percentage<br />

1 Unmarried 87 23.45<br />

2 Sexuallv not active 7 1.88<br />

3 Pre~ant 30 8.08<br />

4 Breast feedinl!>6 weeks 34 9.16<br />

5 Postoartum 4 1.07<br />

6 Want more children 42 11.32<br />

7 Not heard <strong>of</strong>FP 3 0.8<br />

8 Not able to conceive 20 5.39<br />

9 Do not like 2 0.53<br />

10 Afraid <strong>of</strong> side effects 17 4.58<br />

II <strong>Health</strong> worker's attitude not friendlv 0 0<br />

12 Male health worker 0 0<br />

13 Others* 125 33.67<br />

Total 371 100<br />

* will not conceive due to age, Divorced/Separated, Will not get pregnant,<br />

waiting for menstruation to return, thinks method will not suit her, missed<br />

dates for injection, menopause, undecided etc.


discontinuation. Medical side effects following the use <strong>of</strong> the method were found to be the most<br />

common cause for discontinuation (34%). Want another child is second most common causes <strong>of</strong><br />

discontinuation (22%). Other less common causes are divorced/separated, not able to report in time,<br />

will not conceive, no time to go to the BHU etc. Reasons associated with misconception like<br />

developing <strong>of</strong> cancer and uterus becoming abnormal after the use <strong>of</strong> contraceptives were also<br />

recorded in some instances. In eight women reasons for discontinuation was not know.<br />

Total<br />

SI.NO Reasons for discontinuation Discontinued Percentage<br />

I<br />

1 Medical side effects 26 34.21<br />

2 Want more children<br />

.<br />

17 22.36<br />

3 Contracentive not available 0 0<br />

4 Divorced/Senarated 6 7.89<br />

5 Not able to renort in time 4 5.26<br />

6 Others* 15 19.73<br />

7 Unknown 8 10.52<br />

Total 76 100<br />

Among the method users, 54 women have faced some problem while using the method and majority<br />

(83%) <strong>of</strong> the problems are because <strong>of</strong> Medical side effects. Only 2% <strong>of</strong> the users said that the <strong>Health</strong><br />

center is too far. <strong>Health</strong> workers attitude and gender <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Health</strong> workers were not found tobe <strong>of</strong><br />

any issue. Seven women (13%) faced other problem like husband not supportive and no co-operation<br />

from other members <strong>of</strong> the family.<br />

a e . ro ems ace IV con raceD' Ive users<br />

SI.NO Tvne <strong>of</strong> Problem Total Nos<br />

1 Side effects<br />

2 <strong>Health</strong> center too far<br />

3 <strong>Health</strong> workers attitude<br />

4 Male <strong>Health</strong> worker<br />

5 Others - -<br />

Total<br />

83.33<br />

1.85<br />

o<br />

o<br />

12.96<br />

100<br />

Fertility among different age group <strong>of</strong> wQmen was studied for a period <strong>of</strong> past one year. The fertility<br />

rate was found to be highest in age group 25-29 years(248. 1411000 women) with gradual decline to<br />

18.51/1000 women <strong>of</strong> the age group 45-49 years. The fertility rate for teenagers (13-19 years) was<br />

found to be 71.43/1000 women. The next group <strong>of</strong> women where fertility is high (204.12/1000<br />

women) is in the age group 20-24 years.


Table 15. Fertilitv status<br />

S Age<br />

No. <strong>of</strong><br />

women T~~al bi:T<br />

Fertility<br />

N Group interviewed in 1 vear Rate<br />

N.LinQ Kabesa Total N.Limz Kabesa Total N.Linll Kabesa Mean<br />

1 15-19 35 29 64 5 0 5 142.85 0 71.43<br />

2 20-24 42 41 83 11 6 17 261.9 146.34 204.12<br />

3 25-29 27 40 67 8 8 16 296.29 200 248.14<br />

4 30-34 30 32 62 4 8 12 133.33 250 191.66<br />

5 35-39 29 27 56 2 7 9 68.96 259.25 164.1<br />

6 40-44 22 23 45 1 6 7 45.45 260.86 153.15<br />

7 45-49 27 21 48 1 0 1 37.03 0 18.51<br />

Looking at the ASFRs (age specific fertility rate) in these seven age groups the total fertility rate is<br />

estimated to be 5.25 per woman. Fertility status was not studied at Kanglung gewog. Fertility in<br />

younger age group was higher in Norbuling gewog and older age group was higher in Kabisa gewog.<br />

5. Discussion:<br />

The women <strong>of</strong> reproductive age during these three surveys represents more then 50% <strong>of</strong> the total<br />

women interviewed .(TotaLwomen in--l6-49 yrs interviewed was 859 and total women in 15-49 yrs<br />

was 635). The study gives us a picture <strong>of</strong> the current situation <strong>of</strong> contraceptive use in the studied<br />

gewogs.<br />

The male to female ratio is found to be marginally higher than the National ratio <strong>of</strong> 98: 100<br />

(Statistical year book- 1997). As per the National <strong>Health</strong> Survey 0[2000, the ratio was found to be<br />

94: 100. Another important finding is the no. <strong>of</strong> women <strong>of</strong> reproductive age residing in these<br />

areas(30%). These aberrations are probably because <strong>of</strong> migration <strong>of</strong> adult male population to other<br />

areas looking for better opportunities or for studies. Other findings like the age and sex distribution<br />

are almost consistent with the existing averages.<br />

The overall contraceptives prevalence in these three gewogs is found to be 41.57% <strong>of</strong> women <strong>of</strong><br />

reproductive age. This shows an overall improvement <strong>of</strong> 10% from 2000 National <strong>Health</strong> Survey<br />

(30.7%). It was lowest in Kabisa gewog- 28%. A comparison <strong>of</strong> the age group wise contraceptive<br />

prevalence with 2000 National <strong>Health</strong> Survey (NHS) is shown in the table below.<br />

Table 16. Com arison <strong>of</strong> a<br />

15 - 19<br />

20-24<br />

25 - 29<br />

30 - 34<br />

35 - 39<br />

40-44<br />

45 -49<br />

Overall


The overall CPR improved to 46% if wornell not at risk <strong>of</strong> pregnancy are excluded from the<br />

denominator. This group <strong>of</strong> women also includes women who are pregnant, post partum within 6<br />

wks and wo~en who are in fecund. 46.57% CPR is comparable to any other developing country<br />

though it is slightly lower. Contraceptive prevalence in teenaged girls, though looks improved, needs<br />

further improvement. Also in the other extreme group (45 -49 yrs) it is low.<br />

1. Contraceptive prevalence rate is far below the expected increase.<br />

2. Contraceptive use by extremes <strong>of</strong> Reproductive age women is low.<br />

3. Use <strong>of</strong> condom as a method <strong>of</strong> contraceptive is almost non-existent.<br />

4. ruCD use as a method <strong>of</strong> contraception is not improving as expected.<br />

5. Medical side effects are one <strong>of</strong> the common reasons for non-use or discontinuation <strong>of</strong><br />

contraceptives. Also it is the most common problem faced by the user.<br />

6. Misconception about contraception like, may cause cancer ete are prevalent among some<br />

users.<br />

7. Infertility though not explicit is prevalent among 5 % <strong>of</strong>F.P non-users.<br />

8. Fertility rates are very high in cOJ;Ilparisonto similar countries in the region<br />

9. Pregnancies among teenagers are common.<br />

C,onclusion:<br />

The study has attempted to give a picture <strong>of</strong> the status <strong>of</strong> Reproductive <strong>Health</strong>, in particular the<br />

Family Planning aspect at the community level. Although the study has been carried out using only 3<br />

gewogs, the findings reflects to some extend the situations that rest <strong>of</strong> the country is currently in.<br />

With continuous support from the government, the situation seems to be improving as reflected by<br />

the 46.57% CPR <strong>of</strong> the three villages. Although there is an increase in the CPR, it is still far behind<br />

the target <strong>of</strong> 60% CPR to be achieved by the end <strong>of</strong> ninth five year plan.<br />

6. Some Priority Issues:<br />

Some issues, which are apparent from the report and also implied from reviews and observations<br />

made during the year that needs to be addressed in priority basis, are mentioned below:<br />

1. Low and Inadequate ANC attendance:- Approximately 63% <strong>of</strong> pregnant women are attending<br />

ANC at least once and it is far below the target <strong>of</strong> 100% attendance that has to be achieved<br />

by the end <strong>of</strong> ninth five year plan period. Ideally a pregnant woman must at least make 4<br />

ANC visits.<br />

2. Low institutional deliveries:- Institutional deliveries (Hospital and BHU deliveries) and<br />

deliveries attended by a trained person constitute only about 32% <strong>of</strong> the total deliveries.<br />

3. No policy support on Post-natal care- no information is collected on postnatal care at any<br />

level except information on couple <strong>of</strong> complications. So routine monitoring is impossible.<br />

4. Low Contraceptive Prevalence rate :- Contraceptive prevalence rate though shows gradual<br />

improvement, is still low at about 41%.<br />

Other issues related to F.P have been described in the study report.


5. Abortion Complication:- Though the incidence <strong>of</strong> complications following abortion is<br />

not known, prevalence <strong>of</strong> abortion as a complication <strong>of</strong> pregnancy is very common.<br />

6. Infertility and RTIs including STIs:- Though prevalence <strong>of</strong> infertility is not yet studied, from<br />

the 3 gewog Family Planning study, it is revealed that quite a high number <strong>of</strong> women are<br />

unable to conceive. Major causes are probably from the Reproductive tract infections (RTIs)<br />

and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).<br />

7. Low Cervical Cancer screening coverage:- Only 8% <strong>of</strong> target population could be screened in<br />

the year <strong>2004</strong>, which is inadequate for any impact on reduction <strong>of</strong> cervical cancer in the<br />

communities.<br />

8. Teenage Pregnancy and Contraceptive use:- Teenage mothers constitute about 15% <strong>of</strong> the<br />

antenatal attendees. In some <strong>of</strong> these young mothers, the index pregnancy is already second<br />

or third pregnancy.<br />

Contraceptive prevalence in this group <strong>of</strong> women is negligible.


Expanded Program On Immunization (EPI)<br />

The EPI was launched in the country on 15 th Nov. 1979 coinciding with International<br />

Year <strong>of</strong> Child with an objective <strong>of</strong> reducing the seven- vaccine preventable disea 'es.<br />

(TB, DiphtheIia, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio and Measles) In December 1994, the tetanus<br />

Toxiod vaccine for pregnant women was also introduced in to the program. In Mid<br />

1996. Hep.B vaccine for all children under one year <strong>of</strong> age was introduced as an<br />

integral component <strong>of</strong> EPI.<br />

The EPI services been full integrated in to the general public health services mainly<br />

with MCH/FP in particulars. It is delivered through existing Hospitals, BHUs and<br />

ORCs. Over all Immunization services aimed for effective coverage with all seven<br />

antigens aimed at all infants less than one year <strong>of</strong> age and to all pregnant women.<br />

Goals for 9 th Five years plan.<br />

• The goals <strong>of</strong> the EPI program is to reduce the seven vaccine preventable disease to a<br />

level at which they are no longer public health problem by maximizing opportunity,<br />

minimizing risk and increasing acceptability and reach <strong>of</strong> immunization program.<br />

Objective <strong>of</strong> Program are:<br />

• To sustain EPI coverage for all seven antigens at one above 90 percent for all<br />

children under one year.<br />

• To eradicate poliomyelitis by 2005<br />

• 90% reduction <strong>of</strong> measles cases<br />

• 95% reduction <strong>of</strong> deaths caused by measles<br />

• To eliminate Maternal and neo-natal Tetanus by 2005<br />

• To develop sustainability in the EPI program through national capacity building.<br />

Strategies:<br />

• Ensuring quality and vaccination safety<br />

• Establishing and strengthening surveillance for all EPI disease<br />

• Community mobilization<br />

• National capacity development for ensuring sustainability<br />

Program Status:<br />

• Immunization coverage maintained above 85% under one year <strong>of</strong> age<br />

• There are seven antigen under EPI programme.<br />

• DPT -Hep.B combination vaccine introduced in 2003 nation wide through GAVI<br />

support<br />

• AFP surveillance conducted in 22 hospital in 2003<br />

• Open Vial Policy for DPT-Hep.B, OPV and IT vaccine were introduced in<br />

December 2003.<br />

• Reusable Syringes were replaced by Auto Disable Syringes (AD syringes) for all<br />

BPI vaccines in December 2003 through GAVI support


• EPI mid level management training was conducted for DMOs/DHSOs and primary<br />

health workers from 2003 and on going activities.<br />

• No. Cases <strong>of</strong>MNT have been reported since 1994.<br />

AFP Surveillance:<br />

• Bhutan is a non-endemic country for poliomyelitis. The last case <strong>of</strong> clinically<br />

compatible case <strong>of</strong> poliomyelitis was detected in 1986 in Tsirang Dzongkhag. But<br />

due to its porous border with an endemic country, India, the risk <strong>of</strong> importation <strong>of</strong><br />

poliovirus is always there. Thus, in order to control measures, acute flaccid paralysis<br />

(AFP) surveillance was initiated in later part <strong>of</strong> 1997.<br />

• Since, 1997, 18 <strong>of</strong> AFP cases were reported and investigated and discard as nonpolio<br />

by the national expert committee polio eradication.<br />

During 2003 4 AFP cases was reported and active surveillance pick up one unreported<br />

case <strong>of</strong> AFP from JDWNRH, Thimphu and stool result was inadequate because <strong>of</strong> late<br />

collection and that case was referred to Kolkota for the further treatment. Now the case<br />

has been investigated and discards as non-polio by the national expert committee.<br />

Rubella.<br />

Rubella was not a notifiable disease in the country. The new as well as the old hospital<br />

and BHU reporting forms did not include rubella for routine reporting. No. Laboratory<br />

testing facilities for rubella existed prior to April 2003. Though clinical suspicion <strong>of</strong><br />

rubella was made; there were no supportive diagnostic facilities.<br />

Trongsa had an outbreak <strong>of</strong> febrile rash in 2003. This occurred in the municipality areas<br />

as well as in some nearby villages. A total <strong>of</strong> five schools had the outbreak which had<br />

laboratory confirmed rubella. There were six other Dzongkhags that reported similar<br />

epidemics these were laboratory confirmed as rubella epidemic. In 2003 Public <strong>Health</strong><br />

Laboratory has received 179 sample <strong>of</strong> blood for analysis among which 35 samples<br />

tested were from pregnant women from the outbreak area in Trongsa. All were negative<br />

for rubella (IgM). These samples were tested for anti-measles IgM as well as antirubella<br />

IgM.All the samples were negative for measles IgM. Fifty-five samples tested<br />

positive for Rubella IgM among non-pregnant groups.


Sl. District BeG Measles DPT- OPV OPVO<br />

No HenB3 3rd<br />

1 Bumthang 301 283 297 289 303<br />

2 Chukha 1540 1686 1688 1685 1398<br />

3 Dagana 402 407 431 431 320<br />

4 Gasa 50 56 57 57 45<br />

5 Haa 176 231 229 229 149<br />

6 Lhuntse 346 364 377 380 211<br />

7 Mongar 996 848 889 923 639<br />

8 Pam 416 556 622 622 383<br />

9 P/Gatshel 298 319 277 277 196<br />

10 Punakha 427 416 468 469 271<br />

11 Samdrubi ongkhar 975 922 916 953 944<br />

12 Samtse 1214 1187 1254 1261 831<br />

13 Sarpang 986 937 899 925 704<br />

14- rTItimphu 2819 1838 2012 2014 2701<br />

15 Trashigang 1189 1106 1188 1188 843<br />

16 Trashiyangtase 454 362 434 435 257<br />

17 Tsirang 414 504 429 435 383<br />

18 Trongsa 226 255 266 260 226<br />

19 Wangdiphodrang 560 627 647 648 422<br />

20 Zhemgang 373 360 340 341 371<br />

Total 142162 13264 13720 13822 11597<br />

90-~/<br />

80-r; .<br />

70 //<br />

100-{ /,-<br />

60- /<br />

1<br />

5°1/<br />

401' .-<br />

30 V;<br />

:~~<br />

O·<br />

Measles<br />

DPT-HepB3<br />

Antigens


TB Control Program in Bhutan is fully integrated with general health care services at the<br />

Dzongkhags since its inception in 1976. Replacement <strong>of</strong> Long course Chemotherapy (LCC)<br />

by Short Course Chemotherapy (SCC) in a phased manner was initiated in 1988. Learning<br />

from the experience <strong>of</strong> running the program, recommendations <strong>of</strong> review mission and<br />

keeping in view, WHO's declaration <strong>of</strong> TB as a global emergency in 1994, Bhutan adopted<br />

Directly Observed Treatment Short Course Chemotherapy (DOTS) strategy throughout the<br />

country from 1997. At the end <strong>of</strong> 8FYP i.e within 4 years <strong>of</strong> implementation <strong>of</strong> DOTS<br />

strategy, significant progress has been made in the control <strong>of</strong>TB in Bhutan.<br />

• To prevent death from TB among poor and vulnerable populations.<br />

• To reduce mortality/morbidity and transmission <strong>of</strong>TB until it is no longer a<br />

Public <strong>Health</strong> Problem.<br />

to intensify advocacy and awareness activities for TB prevention and increased<br />

case detection rates<br />

to improve capacity <strong>of</strong> health staff to detect and treat TB<br />

to strengthen laboratory capacity to carry out drug sensitivity training and quality<br />

assurance<br />

to strengthen Program management and monitoring and evaluation at district and<br />

national level.<br />

Improving access to DOTS by decentralizing the availability <strong>of</strong> services and<br />

easily accessible treatment with adequate drugs at all time with specific objective<br />

as under.<br />

• New smear positive case detection <strong>of</strong> 80% and cure more than 85%<br />

• TB in HIV positive patient diagnosed timely and all such cases are promptly put<br />

on DOTS.<br />

• Multi drug resistant (MDR) does not increase in the country.<br />

• Enhance DOTS utilization by making its accessibility/availability user friendly.<br />

Strengthen diagnostic decentralization and follow up capabilities through<br />

establishment <strong>of</strong> operational laboratory facilities at BHUs level.


Str~gthen the DOTS component <strong>of</strong> DOTS strategy by widening the spectrum <strong>of</strong><br />

DOTS providers through various means, including community involvement.<br />

Formulate defined lEC strategies and intensify lEC activities covering patients,<br />

communities, governmental extension agents, religious leaders, etc.<br />

Organizing training, meetings, and visits for health personnel to enhance their<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>essional and operational skills under the overall ambit <strong>of</strong> capacity building.<br />

Enhancing DOTS utilization by making its accessibility and availability user<br />

friendly.<br />

Field visits; meetings, monthly/ quarterly reports and patient referral system will be themajor<br />

tools for monitoring the TB program activities and. district DOTS center's would<br />

monitor at the BHU level to strengthen the TB program activities.<br />

i) Present status in %: Baseline Target Achievement<br />

(2000) (9FYP) (2003)<br />

Case detection 69 75 73<br />

Cure 66 85 76<br />

Completed 21 5 11<br />

Treatment success 87 90 89<br />

Deaths 4 5 5<br />

ii) No <strong>of</strong> case notified/treated all type: 2001 2002 2003 <strong>2004</strong><br />

Pulmonary Positive 442 447 428 406<br />

Pulmonary negative 474 272 284 242<br />

Extra Pulmonary 324 318 344 354<br />

Total 1240 1037 1056 1002<br />

V. Cohort Reports:<br />

i) Laboratory reports: 2001 2002 2003 <strong>2004</strong><br />

5495 6014 6663 5781<br />

378 416 443 418<br />

6.84 6.92 6.65 7.23<br />

1.78 2.16 2.09 1.64


According to cohort report, districts laboratory services are doing well.<br />

However, it was noted that some districts laboratory needs to improve<br />

diagnostic facilities and ensure quality control.<br />

ii) Case finding report <strong>of</strong> new & re- 2001 2002 2003 <strong>2004</strong><br />

treatment cases:<br />

New 353 364 360 356<br />

Relapse 28 35 38 36<br />

Failure 27 19 19 5<br />

Retreat after Interruption 34 29 11 9<br />

New pulmonary negative 474 272 284 242<br />

New extra pulmonary 324 318 344 354<br />

Total 1240 1037 1056 1002<br />

Program suggests studying on relapse and failure including patient interruption during<br />

continuation phase.<br />

Hi) Report by gender (new smear positive cases only) 2001 2002 2003 <strong>2004</strong><br />

Male 196 209 199 203<br />

Female 157 155 161 153<br />

Total 353 364 360 356<br />

iv. Smear conversion report at 2/3 months (%) 2001 2002 2003 <strong>2004</strong><br />

-~ --<br />

New 68 71 80 86<br />

Relapse ~-<br />

72 52 72 85<br />

Re-treatment (other than relapse) 71 62 55 80<br />

According to smear conversion report at 2/3 months <strong>of</strong> treatment, it has proven that DOTS<br />

during initial intensive phase is excellent. However, districts needs to update sputum status at the<br />

end <strong>of</strong> 5 and 8 months <strong>of</strong> treatment to declare cure and to reduce MDR TB.<br />

-


v. Treatment outcome (%) 2000 2001 2002 2003<br />

Cured 66 72 71 78<br />

Completed 21 14 10 11<br />

Died 5 2 3 4<br />

Failed 2 2 2 2<br />

Interrupted treatment 0.5 1 1 0.7<br />

Treatment success 87 86 86 89<br />

Not known 5 6 5 3<br />

According to cohort report, treatment outcome has increased from 66% to 78% In 2003.<br />

However, we have long way to achieve the set target <strong>of</strong> 85% by the end <strong>of</strong> 9 FYP.<br />

As <strong>of</strong> know, we have 26 MDR TB in Bhutan, which was clinically diagnosed and put on 2 nd line<br />

drugs. However, GFATM support would bring improvement in terms <strong>of</strong> laboratory services<br />

including drugs sensitivity testing in the near future.


ARI Control Activity was first launched in 1986 after the introduction <strong>of</strong> Mid-Level<br />

Management Course on EPI, ARI & CDD at the then NIFH, Gayleyphug. ARI Programme is an<br />

ongoing health activity. However, there was no Program Manager/ Program Officer identified for<br />

coordinating the activities. Considering the high ART morbidity (27%), the <strong>Health</strong> Department gave<br />

priority to ARI control activity, and therefore, in November 1992, Programme Manager for ARI<br />

Control Activity was appointed.<br />

A booklet titled "ARI IN CHILDREN" on management and control <strong>of</strong> ARI based on WHO<br />

Standard Case Management protocol was developed in 1993. The peripheral health workers were<br />

then given short in-service training on ARI case management in Hospitals and BHUs. The activities<br />

were carried out by the Dzongkhag health staff as routine health care services in their respective .<br />

districts, the technical back up and support in terms <strong>of</strong> training, supplies and resource mobilization<br />

was, how eYer, done by the central program.<br />

The Programme is under the introduction <strong>of</strong> IMCI approach that would further strengthen the<br />

integrated activity <strong>of</strong> ARIlCDD/EPI including early childhood care and development. The concept <strong>of</strong><br />

IMCI is to bring the inter-rdated programme activities together to have a cost effective and efficient<br />

health system<br />

Present status:<br />

ARI rank as highest in terms <strong>of</strong> morbidity/mortality in the country. However, pneumonia<br />

caseload seems to be reducing according to the morbidity/mortality report as given below.<br />

Case load <strong>of</strong> ARI morbidity & mortality reported from BHUs & hospitals:<br />

ARI MORBIDITY REPORT FROM BHUS IN %<br />

Diseases 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 <strong>2004</strong><br />

COUQh& Cold 24.48 23.50 24.29 23.66 21.56 27.44 32.75 32.41<br />

Pneumonia 2.84 2.3 2.22 2.01 1.68 1.44 1.51 1.14<br />

Diseases 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 <strong>2004</strong><br />

Coullh & Cold 14.96 14.02 15.65 16.16 14.92 20.66 29.00 27.96<br />

Pneumonia 6.17 6.83 7.63 6.95 6.9 0.9 1.34 1.18<br />

Diseases 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 <strong>2004</strong><br />

CouQ:h & Cold 24.48 23.50 24.29 23.66 21.56 17.80 17.45 17.13<br />

Pneumonia 2.84 2.3 2.22 2.01 1.68 3.01 2.81 2.45


~~::; ...~~.:=---- ."'<br />

0<br />

Diseases 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 <strong>2004</strong><br />

Cou{!h& Cold 14.96 14.02 15.65 16.16 14.92 24.50 23.54 24.71<br />

Pneumonia 6.17 6.83 7.63 6.95 6.9 2.7 3.05 2.82<br />

• To bring down pneumonia cases and deaths due to pneumonia at the manageable level<br />

implementing IMCIIECCD strategy and intervention <strong>of</strong> research activity.<br />

• IMCI approach applied 100%<br />

• Reduction <strong>of</strong> ARI episode to below 3%<br />

• Reduction <strong>of</strong> under 5 pneumonia cases from 20% to below 15%.<br />

• Reduction <strong>of</strong> under 5 deaths due to pneumonia from 10% to < 5%<br />

• Over all reduction <strong>of</strong> IMR & U5MR by 20% <strong>of</strong> 2000 status.<br />

1. Capacity building to improve the skills <strong>of</strong> HWs.<br />

2. Provision <strong>of</strong> supplies to ensure drugs and equipment are reaches in time.<br />

3. Enhance IEC activity & Community participation to create awareness.<br />

4 Supervision/monitoring to ensure the implementation <strong>of</strong> IMCr activity.<br />

5. Intervention <strong>of</strong> research activity to track down deaths due to<br />

Pneumonia among U5 children.<br />

6. Training <strong>of</strong>DMOs/DHSOs/Sr. HWs on IMCI/ECCD.<br />

1. Revised ARI guideline on "ARl IN CHILDREN", developed ARI flip chart and<br />

pamphlet as IEC materials both in Dzongkhag and English version.<br />

2. Developed and distributed guide book for health workers on ARI case management at<br />

community level<br />

.<br />

3. Developed audio and videocassette as IEC materials both in English and Dzongkhag<br />

version.<br />

5. Program is concerned about the prevention and control <strong>of</strong> ARI at all health facilities.


Future directions:<br />

1. The programme proposed to conduct research on ARl caseload and type as to<br />

track down the causes so that appropriate intervention could be identified.<br />

11. To determine the under-five morbidity and mortality rates and other social<br />

factors affecting them, survey/research on IMCI activity impact will be carried·<br />

out so as to identify an appropriate intervention for the growing problem.<br />

Introduction <strong>of</strong> the IMCI concept is still premature and a full time technical focal person<br />

is required to guide the integrated programs at the central level. However, the programme<br />

activities are fully integrated within general health services integrating ARI, CDD and<br />

EPI.


The National Control <strong>of</strong> Dirrhoeal Diseases Program was initiated in 1982 and program<br />

because operational in 1984. The program was initiated in the Head Quarter because <strong>of</strong> the high<br />

morbidity & mortality due to diarrhoeal diseases in the country.<br />

Diarrhoeal diseases continue to be a major health problem affecting the survival <strong>of</strong> the children in<br />

the country. As a program intensification process Bhutan in coordination with WHO had adopted a<br />

new strategy "Integrated Management <strong>of</strong> Childhood Illness" in 2000. With this holistic approach<br />

strategy the program expect to observe changes on reduction <strong>of</strong> morbidity & mortality in the future.<br />

To reduce morbidity & mortality due to diarrhoeal diseases, through promotion <strong>of</strong> sanitation, hygiene<br />

& proper case management practices.<br />

1. To reduce deaths due to diarrhoea in children under five from 13.3% to less than 5%.<br />

2. To reduce diarrhoeal incidence rate amongst five years <strong>of</strong> age from 21% to 10%.<br />

3. To reduce number <strong>of</strong> episodes from 3.9 per year to less than 3 per year.<br />

4. To enable people to become more self-reliant in prevention and management <strong>of</strong> diarrhoeal<br />

diseases.<br />

• Timely & equitable distribution /supply <strong>of</strong> CDD drugs & equipment.<br />

• Strengthen capacity building for health workers including VHWs through in-service<br />

pre-service training.<br />

• Investigation <strong>of</strong> outbreak & use <strong>of</strong> containment measures mainly cholera &<br />

gastroenteritis.<br />

• Strengthen & integrate IMCIIECCD in communities to enhance knowledge & skills<br />

required for childcare.<br />

• Improve quality services by strengthening DTU/ORT & training <strong>of</strong> health workers,<br />

VHWs, mothers & care givers,<br />

• Enhance lEC activities & collaborate with relevant sectors like PHE, <strong>Health</strong> &<br />

Religion & comprehensive School <strong>Health</strong> program.<br />

• Conduct impact assessment & operational researches


Year Diarrhoea cases Dvsentrv cases<br />

< 5 years > 5 years < 5 years > 5 years Total cases<br />

renorted<br />

2000 21991 50812 12170 34967 119940<br />

2001 29499 65551 5028 13765 113843<br />

2002 21191 46539 11296 26644 105670<br />

2003 23608 46537 10940 24078 105163<br />

<strong>2004</strong> 25730 46523 10072 22715 105040<br />

• Printing <strong>of</strong> under five guidelines & flip charts<br />

• Training <strong>of</strong> health workers on use <strong>of</strong> under five clinic guidelines & flip charts.<br />

• Skj]] development training <strong>of</strong> mothers on prevention <strong>of</strong> diarrhoea & ARI with a focus on<br />

exclusive breast-feeding & care <strong>of</strong> early childhood development.<br />

• Training <strong>of</strong> health workers in 11 day IMCI<br />

• Procurement <strong>of</strong> eDD/ARI drugs & equipment.<br />

• Printing and Procurement <strong>of</strong> IMCI chart booklet & photo series.<br />

• Printing <strong>of</strong> IMCI wall chart.<br />

• Printing <strong>of</strong> IMCI modules.


Background<br />

The Village <strong>Health</strong> Worker (VHW) system was first piloted in Bumthang by Helvetas in 1978.<br />

Finding it imperative in facilitating primary health care delivery in the communities living in<br />

scattered and difficult terrains, it was expanded to Trongsa, Thimphu, Wangdue Phodrang &<br />

Lhuentse. And by mid 1980's the program was implemented throughout the country.<br />

The VHWs selected by the communities themselves were given two-week long training on basic<br />

preventive and promotive aspects <strong>of</strong> health care including First Aid and treatment <strong>of</strong> minor<br />

ailments. The positive and discemable impact <strong>of</strong> the contributions made by VHWs over the years<br />

is reflected in rapid health indicator improvements especially in communicable diseases <strong>of</strong> major<br />

public health concern in the country. It has proved to be an important link between the health<br />

service and the communities.<br />

In 1993-94, the VHW program was evaluated with the objective to assess the utility and<br />

necessity <strong>of</strong> the program. The evaluation findings indicated that VHWs were very useful i~<br />

strengthening primary health care delivery system. Both the health providers and the<br />

communities felt that VHW s should continue to function. As such, the <strong>Health</strong> Department<br />

prepared a " Strategy Paper to Strengthen the VHW Programme," which was formally approved<br />

in 1995.<br />

The VHW program has received support from WHO through PHC project till 1992. From 1993<br />

till today UNICEF has extended support for the program. At present, there are 1201 actively<br />

functional VHW s throughout the country & need to train more concentrating in the resettlement<br />

areas & also to replace the dropped out VHWs.<br />

Rationale<br />

The difficult land terrain coupled with sparse and scattered population dictated the need for<br />

VHWs to assist health staff to provide health care to the un-reached communities thereby,<br />

bringing wider health coverage. It was felt that such a category <strong>of</strong> people in the village would not<br />

only serve as a two-way link between the health care providers and the communities but also<br />

help to inculcate a sense <strong>of</strong> healthy living responsibilities in the communities.<br />

Programme Objectives (9 th FYP)<br />

1. Facilitate increased access to health care services in the country<br />

2. Improve healthy life style <strong>of</strong> the communities through dissemination <strong>of</strong> appropriate health<br />

information<br />

3. Provide first aid and treatment for minor ailments<br />

Strategies<br />

1. Establish VHW selection/recruitment criteria,<br />

2. Re-define their roles and responsibilities,<br />

3. Impart regular training courses<br />

4. Develop Monitoring & Evaluation tools, recording/reporting formats and guidelines/manuals<br />

forVHWs<br />

5. Strengthen monitoring and supervision <strong>of</strong>VHW program activities<br />

6. Institute supply and distribution system for first aid drugs and equipment


There are 1201 active VHWs in the country and program aims to retained this number through<br />

regular refresher courses and other incentives like intra and inter-Dzongkhag study visits.<br />

Training will be conducted for the 281 new VHW recruits. The ratio <strong>of</strong> male female VHW is 1:3<br />

(male: female), the cumulative drOJ1outnumber is 1200 for the last 17 years.<br />

81. Dzonkhag No. Trained Existing<br />

No<br />

(active)<br />

1. BumthanQ 90 40<br />

2. Chukha 131 74<br />

3. Dal!ana 75 34<br />

4. Gasa 29 14<br />

5. Haa 47 22<br />

6. Monl!ar 214 III<br />

7. Lhuentse 87 42<br />

8. Perna Gatshel 90 48<br />

9. Paro 128 70<br />

10. Punakha 92 48<br />

11. SfJ onQ"khar 152 98<br />

12. Samtse 314 154<br />

13. Sam an!:? 150 60<br />

14. Trashil!anl! 216 103<br />

15. Tashi Yanlrtse 94 41<br />

16. Tron!:?sa 89 47<br />

17. Tsiranl! 115 51<br />

18. Thimohu 98 40<br />

19. W/ Phodranl! 115 60<br />

20. Zheml!all{! 75 45<br />

Total 2401 1201<br />

There are 1201 functional VHWs in the country.<br />

The implementation is fully decentralized since the inception.<br />

A comprehensive training manual guideline for trainers has been developed The programme<br />

was evaluated in 1993/1994<br />

Strategy paper & information kit for the programme has been developed.<br />

The DSA for VHW s during the training and refresher courses has been enhanced from<br />

Nu=30/- to Nu=150/- per day.<br />

A recognition certificate for VHWs was awarded to the programme by UNDP coinciding<br />

with" International day for the Volunteers" in 2001.<br />

The VHW s were provided with badges, & bags


Donor supported vertical programme.<br />

Resource gap - insufficient financial support to maintain quality services through regular<br />

services.<br />

Recognition <strong>of</strong> VHW s for remuneration / incentive / compensation (packaging)~miformly<br />

has been problem.<br />

Retention / drop out I replacement <strong>of</strong> trained VHWs.<br />

Community participation for ownership & sustenance.<br />

Growing expectations & demands.<br />

Multi-sectoral dimension for health development.<br />

Regular refresher courses need to be maintained.<br />

Adequate financial support for above and other non-financial incentives.<br />

Vertical program I reprogramming within the decentralization policy.<br />

Fixed target setting for better planning and monitoring.<br />

Dzongkhag & Geog budgeting from regular resources.<br />

Ownership building and sustenance by community in long run.<br />

Recognition- remuneration & incentive packaging modalities for VHW s<br />

All programs to recognize VHW as channel or a medium to reach the community and utilize<br />

them optimally. Therefore all programs must coordinate to support fund to ensure regular<br />

refresher & new trainings to reduce high dropouts.


STD/AIDS control program was established under the Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> in 1988<br />

and the first case <strong>of</strong> AIDS was detected in 1993.<br />

• As <strong>of</strong> 16 th February 2005 there are 72 HN positive cases<br />

• The first mother to child transmission case was reported in 2001 .<br />

• Total <strong>of</strong> 5 pregnant mothers were detected with HN infection.<br />

• The mode <strong>of</strong> infection <strong>of</strong> all the detected cases is through heterosexual sex.<br />

• Most <strong>of</strong> detected cases so far are through sentinel surveillance, contact tracing,<br />

and medical checkup.<br />

• The cases are distributed in all occupations with maximum in civil servants and<br />

business peoples.<br />

• According to gender there are 33 female and 39 male infected with HIV. The<br />

ratio <strong>of</strong> female to male is (1:1.3).<br />

• The current prevalence <strong>of</strong> HIV infection is 0.05%, which shows that Bhutan is<br />

at early phase <strong>of</strong> epidemic.<br />

1. To reduce transmission <strong>of</strong> HN infection through sexual, blood products, and<br />

perennial and STIs.<br />

2. To reduce risk <strong>of</strong> STI and HIV transmission through lEC and multi sector<br />

approach.<br />

3. To reduce morbidity and mortality associated with HIV/AIDS and STls.<br />

4. VCT services and HIV surveillance system established in all districts.<br />

1. Prevent sexual transmission through multi-sectoral approach and lEe<br />

2. Prevent transmission through blood and blood products<br />

3. Prevent vertical transmission<br />

4. Counseling and care facilities established<br />

5. Program Strengthening and management.<br />

The National AIDS Committee was established in 1994 and the terms <strong>of</strong> reference<br />

(TOR) are:<br />

• Formulate policies on prevention and control <strong>of</strong> STDs and HN/ AIDS.<br />

• Facilitate linking <strong>of</strong> national HIV/AIDS plan and policies with other important<br />

policy making processes.


• Function as coordinating body in the national response to HIV/AIDS prevention<br />

and control activities.<br />

• Mobilize Active commitment and collaboration <strong>of</strong> publicly/private sectors, civil<br />

societies and communities.<br />

• NAC is now upgraded to NHAC with the RGOB approval during the 220 th<br />

session <strong>of</strong> Coordination Committee Meeting <strong>of</strong> the council <strong>of</strong> ministers on<br />

February 2, <strong>2004</strong>.<br />

<strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> is in the process <strong>of</strong> formulating a comprehensive policy to address<br />

the complex issue <strong>of</strong>HN/AIDS. With the guidance <strong>of</strong>NHAC and consultancy experts<br />

on HIV/AIDS, the <strong>Ministry</strong> is looking for a comprehensive policy with in a year. The<br />

existing policy framework and policy statements are as follows:<br />

• Maintain confidentiality <strong>of</strong>HN positive peoples.<br />

• Practice Universal Precaution in all health care settings.<br />

• Screen all blood and blood products.<br />

• Provide ART to HN positive pregnant mothers.<br />

• Implement program activities through Multi Sectoral Approach.<br />

• Provide 100 % access to condoms.<br />

• Avoid breast-feeding child <strong>of</strong>HN positive mothers.<br />

• Spouse/partners notification by infected is being encouraged, family which<br />

health authority will disclose on hislher behalf.<br />

• Address gender equality and human rights in all areas <strong>of</strong> care and support to<br />

people living with HIV/AIDS.<br />

• One needle one person<br />

• Stronger call for a multi Sectoral taskforce<br />

• Emphasize creating an enabling environment- policy, legal, social and culturalthat<br />

will facilitate behavior change.<br />

• Strengthen the preventive, promotive, services.<br />

• Strengthen the treatment and care services- including counseling services,<br />

screening in laboratory and blood bank services.<br />

• Strengthen institutional capacity- more Voluntary Counseling and Testing<br />

Centers (VCTC), human resources trained on treatment and management <strong>of</strong><br />

AIDS<br />

• Continuing effective detection and management <strong>of</strong> Sexually Transmitted.<br />

Infections (ST!) at primary health facilities.<br />

• Making an enabling environment for HIV/AIDS patients- good policies, which<br />

incorporates evidence based, and right based policies.<br />

Trends in HN infection will be monitored through surveillance such as reporting <strong>of</strong><br />

STls, analysis <strong>of</strong> sentinel data and monitoring <strong>of</strong> RPR prevalence among antenatal<br />

clinic attendees. Further, the program will monitor through:


1. Behavioral survey<br />

ii. Progress Reports<br />

Internal and external reviews <strong>of</strong> the program<br />

lll.<br />

At the national level, the National AIDS Commission, which is multi-sectoral in nature,<br />

will be expanded to include a representative <strong>of</strong> the private sector. The National<br />

HIV/AIDS Commission will continue to coordinate AIDS prevention efforts at the<br />

district level.<br />

• Lack <strong>of</strong> trained pr<strong>of</strong>essionals particularly in voluntary counseling and<br />

testing, surveillance and behavioral research.<br />

• Stigmatization and discrimination.<br />

• Porous border and increasing population mobility both within and outside<br />

the country.<br />

• Prevalence <strong>of</strong> HIV positive cases among the commercial sex workers.<br />

• Rehabilitating HIV positive.<br />

• Mobilizing adequate funding for HIV/AIDS preventin,.. "nd control program.<br />

SI.No Pr<strong>of</strong>ession No. <strong>of</strong> cases<br />

1 Civil Servants 06<br />

2 Corporate Employee 06<br />

3 UN Employee 01<br />

4 Business 12<br />

5 Housewife 15<br />

6 Farmers 05<br />

7 Commercial Sex Workers 07<br />

8 Others 4<br />

9 Uniformed Personnel 11<br />

11 Minor 05<br />

Total 72<br />

.


SI.No Gender No. <strong>of</strong> cases<br />

1 Male 39<br />

2 Femal 33<br />

Total 72<br />

Sl.No Gender No. <strong>of</strong> cases<br />

I Male 13<br />

2 Female 2<br />

Total 15


The Gidakom district hospital under Thimphu Dzongkhag is the National Referral Centre<br />

for Leprosy as well as TB in addition to its community health services. This hospital<br />

therefore serves as the centre for rehabilitative services on district, regional and national<br />

levels.<br />

A total <strong>of</strong> 39 cases have been recorded in <strong>2004</strong> showing a 7% decline from last year.<br />

While 14 cases were registered by Gidakom hospital for Western Region, 2 cases came<br />

from Eastern region, 1 each from Mongar and Trashigang. There were 16 new cases<br />

during the year out <strong>of</strong> which 7 were referred by health workers, 7 cases reported<br />

themselves directly to the Lerposy workers and 2 cases were detected through contact<br />

survey.<br />

The prevalence rate for this year stands at 0.59/10,000 population and the case detection<br />

rate at 0.24. The deformity rate was found to be at 25% compared to 38% last year. No<br />

relapse case reported this year but 2 suspected cases were reported from Punakha who<br />

are still kept under observation. No deaths reported this year.<br />

Focal surveys were carried out in 4 selected endemic Gewogs under 2 districts <strong>of</strong><br />

Trashigang and Wangdiphodrang Le., Kangpara & Thrimshing, Nisho and Kazhi<br />

Gewogs respectively.<br />

. urvevs one<br />

Type <strong>of</strong> Enumerated Examined Percentage New patients<br />

Survev<br />

found<br />

Contact survey 50 372 62 2<br />

Mass survev - - - -<br />

Focal (village 5658 3936 69 Nil<br />

survev)<br />

Others - - - -<br />

Category LL BL BB BT TT Total<br />

Total at the end <strong>of</strong>last year 11 20 7 4 - 42<br />

+ New oatients detected 3 8 4 1 - 16<br />

+ Transferred in etc. 4 5 3 - - 12<br />

+ Relaose - - - - - -<br />

+ Regained to control - - - - - -<br />

- Released (RFf) 6 8 3 - - 21<br />

- Death - - - - - -<br />

- Lost to control - - - - - -<br />

- Transferred out etc. 2 7 1 - - 10<br />

Total at the end <strong>of</strong> this year 10 18 9 2 - 39


Background.<br />

The National Malaria Eradication Programme (NMEP) launched in 1964, later renamed<br />

as the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) in keeping with the Global<br />

Malaria Control Strategy after realizing that eradication aim was indeed an<br />

unachievable target, n~w renamed as Vector borne Disease Control Programme<br />

(VDCP), besides malaria control has plans to start surveillance activities for other<br />

vector borne diseases like Japanese encephalitis, Dengue fever I Dengue Hemorrhagic<br />

fever to start with.<br />

Malaria had been a serious problem even in the earlier days when the National Malaria<br />

Eradication Programme was not initiated in Bhutan and has remained a priority<br />

program especially in the border districts in the south. However, with the launching <strong>of</strong><br />

the program rapid control <strong>of</strong> the malaria situation was achieved.<br />

The control strategy was centered on parasitic control with microscopy diagnosis and<br />

anti-malarial drug treatment, and vector control strategy with IRS using DDT. In 1995<br />

DDT was substituted by synthetic pyrethroid (Deltamethrine). Major change in the<br />

control strategy took place in 1998 when IRS was replaced with Insecticide treated bed<br />

net programme ( ITBN) in line with the Global Malaria Control Strategy. The first line<br />

treatment policy for uncomplicated fa1ciparum malaria was changed from chloroquin to<br />

SP compound in 1991 and then to Artesunate combination in 1999.<br />

Program Goal.<br />

Reduce malarial disease burden to a level where population residing in malarious areas<br />

can lead a productive life thereby, contributing to the socia-economic development <strong>of</strong><br />

the country.<br />

Main Program Objective.<br />

Reduce malaria mortality by 25% by the end <strong>of</strong> 9 th FYP period.<br />

Program Components.<br />

1. Parasitic Control.<br />

2. Vector Control.<br />

3. Data Management.<br />

Main Program Strategies.<br />

1. Provision <strong>of</strong> diagnostic and treatment facilities as close to the communities as<br />

possible to facilitate early diagnosis and prompt treatment (EDPT).<br />

2. Selective and comprehensive use <strong>of</strong> insecticides for vector control.<br />

3. Intensi fication <strong>of</strong> TECadvocacy activities.<br />

4. Initiation <strong>of</strong> inter- sector collaborative vector control activities through<br />

partnerships.<br />

5. capacity development in terms <strong>of</strong> human resource.


The malaria trend has improved in the last few years compared to base year 1994.<br />

Reviewing the last five years epidemiological data the reported number <strong>of</strong> confirmed<br />

malaria cases were 5,935 in 2000,5982 in 2001,6511 in 2002 3806 in 2003 and 2670<br />

in <strong>2004</strong>. In <strong>2004</strong> the proportion <strong>of</strong> Plasmodium jalciparum malaria was 40% as<br />

compared to P vivax malaria.<br />

Malaria case load and Pf% trend from 1965<br />

to <strong>2004</strong><br />

YEAR<br />

I·.. POSITIVE - Pf% i<br />

The percentage <strong>of</strong> Pf cases has been constantly above 40% since 1994 reaching the<br />

highest ever in 2002 with 54% and at 40% in <strong>2004</strong>.<br />

Malaria case load contributed by endemic dzongkhags (Fig 2 & 3)<br />

95% <strong>of</strong> the country's malaria case load is contributed by the 5 endemic dzongkhags <strong>of</strong><br />

Sarpang, Samdrup Jongkhar, Samtse, Chukha and Zhemgang. For the first time Samtse<br />

Dzongkhag has contributed maximum number <strong>of</strong> malaria cases <strong>of</strong> the country's<br />

caseload in <strong>2004</strong>. Malaria situation shows improvement in the last few years in all the<br />

dzongkhags.


Malaria case load contributed by f"Ive malaria endemic Dzongkhag<br />

&<br />

other non-endemic Dzongkhags (<strong>2004</strong>)<br />

Other Dzs.<br />

5%<br />

Chuk ha Oz..-,<br />

7% .<br />

Zhemgang<br />

r 2%<br />

Oz..<br />

··~·· ••_Samtse Oz.<br />

38"-0<br />

Sarpang Oz.f<br />

34%<br />

0500)-<br />

o o-<br />

4(X» .E<br />

lax><br />

oj<br />

I<br />

I


Top 20 <strong>Health</strong> Centers that contributed malaria<br />

cases in the country in <strong>2004</strong><br />

1. Sibsoo hospital 438<br />

2 .Lhamoizinkha 289<br />

3. Samtse hospital 223<br />

4. Gelephu 205<br />

5_Ghumauney BHU 191<br />

6. Phuntsholing 160<br />

7. Umling BHU 141<br />

8. Sarpang hospital 136<br />

9. Gomtu hospital 104<br />

10. Jomotshangkha 100<br />

11. Samdrup jongkhar 94<br />

12. Samdrupcholing 62<br />

13. Chengmari 61<br />

14. Jigmeling BHU 55<br />

15. Chuzargang 45<br />

16. Deothang Hospital 38<br />

17. Norbuling 37<br />

18. Jompa 23<br />

19. Gedu 20<br />

20. DechilinglYebileptsa/<br />

Panbang 18<br />

Drug responses study is routinely carries out by the program. In 2003 the study had<br />

been conducted with 117 patients in Chuzargang BHU and Umling BHU <strong>of</strong> Sarpang<br />

Dzongkhag with Artesunate combination for uncomplicated falciparum malaria and the<br />

adequate clinical response (ACR) was 98%. Therefore the current treatment regimen is<br />

very effective.<br />

Therapeutic efficacy studies with chloroquin for treatment <strong>of</strong> P vivax was also<br />

conducted with 61 patients from Umling and Chuzargang BHU and the dequate clinical<br />

response (ACR) was 95%. SO treatment for P vivax with Chloroquin is still very<br />

effective in the population in the study areas.<br />

Number <strong>of</strong> malaria deaths has reduced from 48 in 1994 to 05 in <strong>2004</strong> but the case<br />

fatality rate has increased from 3 in 1994 to 4.6 in <strong>2004</strong> which is also a matter <strong>of</strong><br />

concern to the program


45<br />

40<br />

.. - .<br />

Malaria mortality<br />

35T<br />

.c<br />

rn<br />

Q)<br />

30-<br />

~ 25-<br />

o<br />

(jj 20'<br />

i:~t ..--._- .._~_~~ __ -_-_-_-.-. _-__ -=- •.....<br />

_---.----__ ~-_~~~~.-4 ••••..<br />

_.--._._---------._-_._---<br />

_-_===..~-~.<br />

I<br />

1995<br />

L DEATH ~ CFR/1000J<br />

----.------<br />

Issues and challenges ahead<br />

1. Malaria transmission reduction is evident from the reduction <strong>of</strong> case load in<br />

<strong>2004</strong> as the ITBN coverage has increased; therefore, the vector control strategy<br />

with ITBN is effective. If the population coverage can be increased further it<br />

may be possible to halt and reverse the incidence <strong>of</strong> malaria by 2015 and thereby<br />

achieve the Millennium Development Goal target 8. For that ITBN use has to be<br />

advocated and advocacy sustained till behavior change <strong>of</strong> community is<br />

affected.<br />

2. The major issue is the constantly maintained Pf% above 40% for the last 5 years<br />

and the case fatality rate in <strong>2004</strong> still about 4.6. To be able to bring malaria<br />

mortality to zero would be a major challenge and all Pf cases need to be<br />

followed up closely and drug sensitivity studies need to be decentralized to the<br />

other endemic Dzongkhags so that treatment policy change if necessary can be<br />

based on the report on the drug studies.<br />

3. Focal Indoor Residual Spray (IRS) needs to be done at least once covering the<br />

maximum transmission season in the forest fringe area, Pf dominant areas and<br />

epidemic foci. Therefore cost <strong>of</strong> the vector control activities will remain high<br />

inspite <strong>of</strong> reduction in case load in <strong>2004</strong>.<br />

4. Human Resource Development at program level, Dzongkhag level and the BHU<br />

level still remains as major issue and there is need to build capacity <strong>of</strong> health<br />

workers at all levels.<br />

5. Community participants and inter-sector collaboration need to be further<br />

strengthened for malaria control activities without their active participation<br />

malaria control would be nearly impossible.


Background:<br />

His Majesty's vision <strong>of</strong> 'Gross National Happiness as against Gross National Product'<br />

is an inspiration and a guiding principle for the fonnulation <strong>of</strong> a comprehensive and<br />

holistic program for the promotion and protection <strong>of</strong> mental health in Bhutan. Bhutan's<br />

development has taken into consideration the broader issues <strong>of</strong> balancing development<br />

with the safeguarding <strong>of</strong> the traditional values and the rich cultural and environmental<br />

heritage <strong>of</strong> the country. However, it is possible that in the pursuit <strong>of</strong> material wealth and<br />

comfort today, the people may jeopardise their psychological and spiritual well-being.<br />

The launching <strong>of</strong> the National Community Mental <strong>Health</strong> Program in 1997 was timely<br />

and in accordance with the development policy <strong>of</strong> the Royal government <strong>of</strong> Bhutan.<br />

This also coincided with the launching <strong>of</strong> 8 th Five Year Plan. (1997-2002)<br />

It is now widely accepted that community mental health programme is the key to the<br />

prevention and promotion <strong>of</strong> mental health, treatment and rehabilitation <strong>of</strong> mentally ill<br />

persons in their own communities. This approach is especially relevant to Bhutan in the<br />

context <strong>of</strong> our well-developed primary health care services and limited number <strong>of</strong><br />

trained mental health pr<strong>of</strong>essionals in the country.<br />

Program Mandate<br />

To improve and promote mental health/well-being <strong>of</strong> the Bhutanese CItIzen by<br />

providing community based mental health care services to all needy citizens in all parts<br />

<strong>of</strong> the country through integrated approach.<br />

General objective.<br />

Protection and promotion <strong>of</strong> Mental <strong>Health</strong><br />

Specific objectives.<br />

Sensitize <strong>Health</strong> personnel at all levels to be able to provide mental health care along<br />

with general health services.<br />

To reduce burden <strong>of</strong> mental and neurological diseases, alcohol and drug dependence.<br />

To strengthen integration <strong>of</strong> mental health care into the primary health delivery system<br />

to cover entire country with health staff oriented to provide basic mental health care at<br />

the community level.<br />

To involve traditional and indigenous system <strong>of</strong> medicine in the mental health care.<br />

Strategy:<br />

Overall guiding strategies and approaches for community mental health would<br />

be; identification <strong>of</strong> mental health activities at different level <strong>of</strong> health system.<br />

Accordingly appropriate training and activities in mental health care identified for<br />

different categories <strong>of</strong> health workers and other significant people in the community<br />

such as the village health workers, religious community, police, teachers etc.<br />

Areas/Component<br />

11. Situational Analysis on prevalence <strong>of</strong> mental problems.<br />

12. Capacity development for the health workers & Programme personnel.


13. Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Human Resource Development.(HRD)<br />

14. Exploration <strong>of</strong> Traditional Approach to Mental <strong>Health</strong><br />

15. Incorporation <strong>of</strong> Mental <strong>Health</strong> Component in RIHS curriculum.<br />

16. Supply <strong>of</strong> essential Psychotropic Drugs to the health centers.<br />

17. Involvement <strong>of</strong> education sector (school teachers/student) in promoting mental<br />

health.<br />

18. Recording & Reporting <strong>of</strong> potential mental cases through HMIS.<br />

19. Advocacy/Awareness activities on mental health.<br />

20. Supervision & Monitoring.<br />

A pilot survey conducted in 3 Dzongkhags indicated prevalence <strong>of</strong> 30% ADS, 25%<br />

Epilepsy, 18% Depression, 14% Mental Retardation, 6% Psychosis, 6% suicide. The<br />

survey did provide some light on the Common mental problems and in terms <strong>of</strong><br />

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices towards it but will not represent the national<br />

scenano.<br />

This survey has been a learning experience for both health workers and community<br />

leaders on mental health. It has brought to light that there is general lack <strong>of</strong> awareness<br />

on the modem concepts <strong>of</strong> mental disorder and their management in our community.<br />

1. Conducted advocacy and awareness activities and also IEC materials to sensitize<br />

the general public on mental health issues.<br />

2. Developed Mental <strong>Health</strong> Manual for primary health care workers.<br />

3. Training <strong>of</strong> medical <strong>of</strong>ficers and orientation <strong>of</strong> Nurses were conducted and it is<br />

one <strong>of</strong> the on going activities, which will be continued.<br />

4. Trained one Psychiatrist and 3 Nurses in Psychiatric Nursing and one<br />

psychiatrist and 2 nurses are undergoing training at present in India and<br />

Bangladesh.<br />

5. 3 Medical Officers and 3 ACOs trained on community mental health.<br />

6. Conducted pilot survey in three Districts.<br />

7. Collaborated with the education sector for student counseling services<br />

8. including parents' awareness and education program.<br />

9. Participated in train!ng and orienting the schoolteachers on mental health &<br />

substance abuse during winter vacation.<br />

10. Initiated a consultative meeting, identified focal group to coordinate the<br />

exploration <strong>of</strong> traditional approach to mental health and developed a proposal<br />

that will be piloted in the next fiscal year.<br />

11. Incorporated essential indicators <strong>of</strong> mental disorders in HMIS.<br />

12. <strong>Health</strong> workers in Paro, Bumthang, Chukha and Trashigang were trained on<br />

basic mental health care.<br />

13. Identified the mental health topic that will be incorporated in RlHS curriculum<br />

very soon.


Human resource development proposed for the 9 FYP (2002-2007)<br />

.Psychologist INo. Counselors SNos.<br />

Psychistrist 2Nos. Psychiatric Nurse lONos<br />

Psychiatric Social Worker INo.<br />

Future direction<br />

Consolidate on the activities that have been already embarked now.<br />

Intensify Advocacy and IEC activities both at the national and community level.<br />

Inclusion <strong>of</strong> mental health care as an integral part <strong>of</strong> primary health care in a1120<br />

Dzongkhags.<br />

Inclusion <strong>of</strong> mental health component in RIBS curriculum.<br />

Community based rehabilitation and social reintegration <strong>of</strong> mentally ill people in the<br />

community.<br />

Exploration alternative/traditional approach to prevent and promote mental health <strong>of</strong><br />

our people.<br />

Develop plans & policies to address the substance abuse problems in the country.<br />

Establish a national resource centre to support the community mental health care. (or<br />

strengthen the Day Care Centre/psychiatric Unit at JDWNRH)<br />

Feed Back on HMIS quarterly report <strong>2004</strong>.<br />

It is encouraging to note that the Districts are now reporting mental disorders because<br />

there was hardly any report before. The data cannot be interpreted on face value due to<br />

following factors:<br />

a) accuracy/validity <strong>of</strong> diagnosis is questionable as most health workers are<br />

not trained and aware <strong>of</strong> mental disorders.<br />

b) there could be repetition <strong>of</strong> cases i.e. every case attending hospital over<br />

the year may be counted as cases and not individual patients.<br />

c) there is a wide variation in number <strong>of</strong> cases in different districts- where<br />

there is trained doctors and health workers, mental disorders cases are<br />

reported more, and not that there are major differences in prevalence.<br />

Also accessibility could be other factors.


The integration <strong>of</strong> Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) programme within the PHe<br />

was commenced in 1997 (8th FYP) with assistance from WHO. The Community Based<br />

Rehabilitation (CBR) Programme was initiated as a pilot programme in Khaling Geog,<br />

Trashigang Dzongkhag, using the infrastructure <strong>of</strong> the primary health care system for<br />

service delivery. This was aimed at identifying the challenges to include rehabilitation<br />

as the fourth major component <strong>of</strong> Primary <strong>Health</strong> Care. With the experience gained in<br />

the Khaling pilot programme, the CBR activities were gradually extended to other<br />

dzongkhags.<br />

Surveys carried out in the pilot CBR Programme and household surveys in Bhutan have<br />

estimated disability at 3.5%. These figures are only suggestive and are not definitive. A<br />

more detailed survey <strong>of</strong> the different regions may be necessary to correctly assess the<br />

extent and degree <strong>of</strong> disabilities and their causes, which will be carried out soon.<br />

However, the pilot survey has highlighted the fact that people with speech and hearing<br />

problems constitute the highest percentage <strong>of</strong> the disabled population, followed by<br />

those with visual impairment.<br />

People with disabilities are <strong>of</strong>ten more severely affected by and exposed to, hardships<br />

and discrimination than other community members. The most common needs expressed<br />

by people with disabilities are for functional skills in daily life activities (self care,<br />

mobility, behaviour), educational needs (schooling, vocational training) and needs for<br />

information about their disability. Another major concern <strong>of</strong> people with disabilities is<br />

the need for income generating activities.<br />

In Bhutan, many superstitions and misconceptions about disabilIty continue to be<br />

prevalent. Services for early identification and intervention to prevent the progression<br />

<strong>of</strong> impairments and disabilities are insufficient, as also the facilities for medical<br />

rehabilitation, education, awareness, and employment generation. The terrain in the<br />

country is another challenge for delivery <strong>of</strong> rehabilitation services.<br />

However, the pilot Programme has also highlighted the fact that the goals <strong>of</strong> a<br />

community-based programme cannot be achieved only through the interventions <strong>of</strong> the<br />

health sector. An effort has been made in the pilot phase to form a National Coordination<br />

Committee on' Disability (NCCD) in 1999. Since then, the Ministries <strong>of</strong><br />

Education and Employment has started developing a policy for inclusion <strong>of</strong> people with<br />

disabilities along with the mainstream <strong>of</strong> Bhutanese population in reaslising the<br />

development philosophy <strong>of</strong> Gross National Happiness (GNH).


The vision for the CBR Programme is that" Persons with Disabilities are able to attain<br />

their fullest potential, become self -reliant and are active contributors to nation building<br />

to the extent possible".<br />

Towards this vision, DPR programme will seek to address the needs <strong>of</strong> all identified<br />

disabled persons in the community through the following broad objectives:<br />

1. Inclusion <strong>of</strong> disability prevention and rehabilitation as an integral part <strong>of</strong> primary<br />

health care in an 20 dzongkhags;<br />

2. Undertake Human Resource Development (HRD) in various aspects <strong>of</strong><br />

rehabilitation;<br />

3. Develop Gidakom as National Medical Rehabilitation Resource Centre;<br />

4. Diminish the overall impact <strong>of</strong> disability through awareness and provision <strong>of</strong> other<br />

appropriate Institution & Community based rehabilitation interventions;<br />

5. Develop activities on diabetes, hypertension and other Life Style Related Disorders<br />

(LSRD);<br />

6. Promote integration <strong>of</strong> children with disabilities into normal schools;<br />

7. Facilitate the involvement <strong>of</strong> other sectors in disability prevention & rehabilitation<br />

programmes through the multi-sectoral approach.<br />

8. Promoting/Initiating Self Help Groups <strong>of</strong> People with Disabilities.<br />

1. Coverage<br />

Expansion <strong>of</strong> CBR programme to other districts.<br />

Identification <strong>of</strong> children with speech and hearing disabilities has been initiated<br />

in all schools.<br />

Inclusion <strong>of</strong> disabled children into normal schools and special schools<br />

2. Capacity building<br />

Training <strong>of</strong> physiotherapy technicians (in & ex country)<br />

20 Dzongkhag PHC workers (DMOs, DHSOs, HAs, ANMs, BHWs)<br />

trained on CBR through in-service training courses;<br />

Training <strong>of</strong> Trainer (TOT) on CBR in India for 8 health workers - DMOs,<br />

DHSOs, PITs, RillS Lecturer & Programme Personnel<br />

1 PIT for Diploma in Prosthetic & Orthotic Technician<br />

1 PIT for Diploma in Speech & Language<br />

2. Initiation <strong>of</strong> interventions<br />

Provision <strong>of</strong> Assistive Devices and distribution - hearing aids, crutches,<br />

wheel chairs, walkers etc.<br />

Upgradation <strong>of</strong> Artificial Limb Workshop at Gidakom for producing<br />

prosthesis/orthosis.<br />

Physiotherapy units established in 15 hospitals.


Establishment <strong>of</strong> Audio logy Unit at JDW NRH.<br />

Identification <strong>of</strong> Changzamtok, Changangkha & Drukgyel School as a pilot<br />

school for integration <strong>of</strong> disabled children.<br />

Identification <strong>of</strong> Draktsho Vocational Training Centre to promote vocational<br />

training opportunities for persons with disabilities.<br />

Conduct <strong>of</strong> mobile ENT camps in 4 regions.<br />

Preparation <strong>of</strong> work-plan for CBR by respective BHUs<br />

Formation <strong>of</strong> National Co-ordination Committee on Disability (NCCD)<br />

concerns at National Level<br />

Formation <strong>of</strong> rehabilitation committee at community level.<br />

Incorporation <strong>of</strong> Disability Information Collection into HMIS. Annual<br />

Household Survey <strong>2004</strong> indicates prevalence <strong>of</strong> disability at 2.6%.<br />

Based on the need and experiences <strong>of</strong> the CBR programme, the nomenclature <strong>of</strong> CBR is<br />

renamed as Disability Prevention & Rehabilitation (DPR), Mental <strong>Health</strong> & Substance<br />

Abuse.


\di\ it~ Report for 1I00lpitals and Bill's, 200-t<br />

13656 2nd Visit 12020 3rd Visit [ 101631More Visits 22965<br />

--~<br />

2125 Facility 4995 No. taken by forcepslvaccum '164<br />

( hiltl ( link \ltt ,,,1.,11' l<br />

Ild.JlII 1'l111i1i1i1'.I1illn (0-11 l11onlh,)<br />

No. <strong>of</strong> children<br />

with overweight<br />

BCG 14162<br />

rN;'-~-itb~~rm;'--;-~&ht- --------<br />

Polio "0" 11597<br />

~~~~.~~_:_::_:~_~~~::I _--_ .•••..<br />

Measles 13264<br />

INo. with malnutrition grade III<br />

l<br />

[IUD<br />

~_~~~~<br />

397 INo. fully immunised<br />

Falllil, 1'.t1nllin~ (110.01 III \\ l.i", -.<br />

-'---~---""---------<br />

i<br />

60 ORS:<br />

----~--_._------,._-<br />

55 DMPA:<br />

239 Vit A capsules:<br />

Hydroelorothlazld:<br />

Hydralazine:<br />

166 Iron tablets: 33<br />

19 Polio vaccine: 41<br />

223 Trvaccine: 45<br />

-----_ .._---~-----_.-<br />

58 Albendazole: 10<br />

----------- ---<br />

65 Rabies anti-venom: 530<br />

56484<br />

10496<br />

f------------------ -~--------<br />

IU_~ne:_ __ ~ ~834<br />

[Stool: 8091<br />

tHIV~=___=~===---===-=--13764<br />

Caesarian<br />

Section<br />

General: Abdominal 760<br />

2031 252<br />

6534 38<br />

1240 45<br />

1112 0<br />

------<br />

901 20<br />

750 0<br />

649 0<br />

X-Ray Chest: ------------------1----------------1 23225<br />

x=-R;yE;tre~_ -ties: ------------ ----, ------- --- ---12497<br />

~=:~=.:····t==~~;~1<br />

Ultrasound Othen: 6260<br />

____________________ L<br />

_<br />

1h'lllal ''IT\ In',<br />

:_:_:_::_:~-Is_-:_- __-__-_ -_-=~3____ 1:~<br />

Bill<br />

•.•Oil"<br />

:"'Hlin!:,;<br />

[Extractions: 1 - - --------2-2200<br />

i6124<br />

l~~~I_O~hfr~~ -=-_-j_- 2_85_16--1


District ANC atte"dances Average<br />

1st visit 2nd visit 3rd visit 4+ visit visit<br />

Bumthang . 303 275 224 431 3.1<br />

Chhukha 1710 1402 1233 3433 3.5<br />

Dagana 358 259 175 144 1.6<br />

Gasa 45 44 27 18 2.0<br />

Haa 135 115 79 166 2.7<br />

Lhuntse 341 250 173 199 1.8<br />

Mongar 773 657 483 509 2.1<br />

Paro 589 504 454 1262 3.8<br />

Pemagatshel 292 237 166 191 2.0<br />

Punakha 494 419 331 554 2.6<br />

Samdrubjongkhar 1010 847 670 852 2.3<br />

Samtse 1287 1153 1027 2069 3.3<br />

Sarpang 997 843 774 1626 3.3<br />

Thimphu 2393 2342 2237 8728 5.6<br />

Trashigang 1035 974 795 793 2.5<br />

Trashiyangtse 361 271 175 146 1.6<br />

Trongsa 202 185 144 120 2.2<br />

Tsirang 390 357 284 638 3.3<br />

Wangdiphodrang 545 533 448 656 3.0<br />

Zhemgang 396 353 264 430 2.6<br />

Total 13656 12020 10163 22965 3.3


District<br />

Deliveries attended at<br />

Home Facility Total % attended<br />

Bumthang 67 81 148 54.7<br />

Chhukha 152 520 672 77.4<br />

Dagana 134 32 166 19.3<br />

Gasa 16 1 17 5.9<br />

Haa 9 44 S3 83.0<br />

Lhuntse 70 24 94 25.5<br />

Mongar 223 183 406 45.1<br />

Paro 45 314 359 87.5<br />

Pemagatshel 53 31 84 36.9<br />

Punakha 75 72 147 49.0<br />

Samdrubjongkhar 176 225 401 56.1<br />

Samtse 217 3S4 571 62.0<br />

Sarpang 83 444 527 84.3<br />

Thimphu 2S 1994 2019 98.8<br />

Trashigang 282 256 538 47.6<br />

Trashiyangtse 88 68 156 43.6<br />

Trongsa 85 18 103 17.5<br />

Tsirang 84 148 232 63.8<br />

c<br />

Wangdiphodrang 95 86 181 47.5<br />

Zhemgang 146 100 246 40.7<br />

Total 2125 4995 7120 70.2


Child attendances<br />

Total<br />

District Infants < 1year 1 -4 years new<br />

New Old New Old<br />

Bwnthang 306 2622 0 2253 5181<br />

Chhukha 1571 8162 48 3845 13626<br />

Dagana 412 2352 63 931 3758<br />

Gasa 55 347 7 149 558<br />

Haa 171 1585 0 1340 3096<br />

Lhuntse 349 2331 13 1535 4228<br />

Mongar 1016 7115 18 6841 14990<br />

Pam 419 3977 2 2141 6539<br />

Pemagatshe1 306 1848 50 1573 3777<br />

Punakha 429 2488 2 1208 4127<br />

Samdrubjongkhar 1005 5283 113 3819 10220<br />

Samtse 1232 6868 65 1165 9330<br />

Sarpang 999 5828 37 3594 10458<br />

Thimphu 2801 11935 10 3258 18004<br />

Trashigang 1162 7658 277 6949 16046<br />

Trashiyangtse 491 2583 68 1492 4634<br />

Trongsa 220 1766 20 1416 3422<br />

Tsirang 427 3087 6 2333 5853<br />

Wangdiphodrang 577 3394 92 1842 5905<br />

Zhemgang 389 2718 3 3554 6664<br />

Total 14337 83947 894 51238 150416


No. with No. with Nutrition levels Total Percent<br />

District over normal Grade I Grade II Grade III malnou- malnouweight<br />

weight rished rished<br />

Bumthang 1291 3846 117 9 3 129 2.5<br />

Chhukha 1474 11286 735 97 34 866 6.4<br />

Dagana 934 2704 280 48 1 329 8.8<br />

Gas a 0 568 13 0 0 13 2.3<br />

Haa 728 1799 533 65 3 601 19.4<br />

Lhuntse 768 2952 314 56 13 383 9.1<br />

Mongar 2463 10863 1192 187 46 1425 9.5<br />

Paro 885 5231 354 64 5 423 . 6.5<br />

Pemagatshel 831 2475 381 31 9 421 11.1<br />

Punakha 1509 3255 259 40 8 307 7.4<br />

Samdrubjongkhar 2804 7553 800 146 19 965 9.4<br />

Samtse 2085 6408 591 94 20 705 7.6<br />

SaI-pang 1402 7918 961 153 24 1138 10.9<br />

Thimphu 1824 1600-7 756 108 35 899 5.0<br />

Trashigang 1373 12672 1532 334 91 1957 12.2<br />

Trashiyangtse 539 3524 423 57 9 489 10.6<br />

Trongsa 742 2260 110 10 1 121 3.5<br />

Tsirang 879 3864 851 171 45 1067 18.2<br />

Wangdiphodrang 1211 3790 514 111 14 639 10.8<br />

Zhemgang 1022 4111 900 121 17 1038 15.6<br />

Total 24764 113086 11616 1902 397 13915 9.3<br />

~Gradelll<br />

Grade I!<br />

8% ~\----<br />

~<br />

/ i 0%<br />

~------_ .. I


District IUD Cycles <strong>of</strong> DMPA Male Female Pieces <strong>of</strong> Total Percent<br />

inserted Oral pills Injections sterilisation sterilisation condoms users users<br />

Bumthang 6 102 351 72 6 3613 4150 0.4<br />

Chhukha 78 2570 3627 399 24 334214 340912 31.9<br />

Dagana 24 886 1277 408 19 17275 19889 1.9<br />

Gasa 0 100 182 15 8 3109 3414 0.3<br />

Haa 9 266 961 4 9 9427 10676 1.0<br />

Lhuntse 13 351 783 196 17 16641 18001 1.7<br />

Mongar 99 1204 4158 355 120 188153 194089 18.2<br />

Paro 217 400 1494 424 215 22064 24814 2.3<br />

Pemagatshel 196 708 1213 6 1 9777 11901 1.1<br />

Punakha 19 686 2445 34 11 16882 20077 1.9<br />

Samdrubjongkhar 192 1130 3704 563 111 26106 31806 3.0<br />

Samtse 30 2155 2274 353 58 36743 41613 3.9<br />

Sarpang 115 2147 2970 1049 362 59089 65732 6.2<br />

Thimphu 429 2102 4234 433 210 65369 72777 6.8<br />

Trashigang 81 1179 4624 172 15 77194 83265 7.8<br />

Trashiyangtse 341 220 1195 0 1 6379 8136 0.8<br />

Trongsa 17 85 429 169 31 9957 10688 1.0<br />

Tsirang 134 1382 1895 6 37 33901 37355 3.5<br />

Wangdiphodrang 26 415 1239 46 7 16294 18027 1.7<br />

Zhemgang 85 719 1690 215 102 48492 51303 4.8<br />

Total 2111 18807 40745 4919 1364 1000679 1068625 100.0<br />

Vasectomy<br />

7%<br />

Oral Pills<br />

28%<br />

DMP A Injections<br />

60%


District Admissions Patient Average<br />

Hospital BHU days days<br />

Bumthang 72 4 218 3.0<br />

Chhukha 4256 142 15762 3.7<br />

Dagana 91 144 224 2.5<br />

Gasa 0 7 0 0.0<br />

Haa 342 0 1609 4.7<br />

Lhuntse 789 90 2461 3.1<br />

Mongar 2687 502 15964 5.9<br />

Paro 1568 73 4301 2.7<br />

Pemagatshe1 610 30 2724 4.5<br />

Punakha 472 26 2432 5.2<br />

Samdrubjongkhar 2268 230 20050 8.8<br />

Samtse 3325 213 14751 4.4<br />

Sarpang 4466 265 11624 2.6<br />

Thimphu 7947 65 58154 7.3<br />

Trashigang 1682 532 9070 5.4<br />

Trashiyangtse 644 143 4729 7.3<br />

Trongsa 269 68 1470 5.5<br />

Tsirang 849 42 2922 3.4<br />

Wangdiphodrang 1279 136 4658 3.6<br />

Zhemgang 1209 94 6767 5.6<br />

Total 34825 2806 179890 5.2


Procedures Cases %<br />

Caesarian section 783 4.6<br />

General abdominal 3043 18.0<br />

Gneral - others 6772 40.1<br />

Orthopaedic extremities 1704 10.1<br />

Orthopaedic others 1119 6.6<br />

Gynaecology 1537 9.1<br />

Ear, Nose & Throat 977 5.8<br />

Eye 966 5.7<br />

Total 16901 100.0<br />

.~<br />

I<br />

Ear, Nose & Throat Eye Caesarian sectioll<br />

GY;O"''''~' 6~% ~.~ : G",rol obdomm,l<br />

18%<br />

Orthopaedic others<br />

7% ~~<br />

O"h'P'


Services<br />

Cases<br />

Diagnostic procedures:<br />

X-Ray chest 23225<br />

X-Ray extremities 12497<br />

X-Ray others 11391<br />

Ultrasound: - Gynaecology/Obstretics 7894<br />

- Abdomen 8693<br />

- Others 6260<br />

Dental services:<br />

Prophylaxis 1585<br />

Scaling 562<br />

Fillings 16124<br />

Extractions 22200<br />

Others 28516<br />

Laboratory examillations :<br />

Haemoglobin 86309<br />

Blood grouping 44436<br />

Malaria slides 56484<br />

TB sputum 10496<br />

Urine 104834<br />

Stool 8091<br />

HN 13764<br />

Surgery 13437<br />

. Laboratory<br />

e.r:aminations<br />

Diagnostic<br />

procedures


District Caesarian General General Orthopaedic Orthopaedic Gaeno- ENT Eye Total<br />

section abdominal others extremities Others col<strong>of</strong>?Y<br />

Bumthang 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 5<br />

Chhukha 24 465 4325 149 207 25 127 57 5379<br />

Dagana 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0<br />

Gasa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0<br />

Baa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0<br />

Lhuntse 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0<br />

Mongar 43 216 104 142 37 114 36 45 737<br />

Paro 24 51 93 29 40 57 5 0 299<br />

Pemagatshe1 0<br />

,<br />

0 27 8 3 0 0 11 49<br />

Punakha 6 21 60 25 12 5 0 236 365<br />

Samdrubjongkhar 25 168 239 95 67 45 53 4 696<br />

Sarntse 54 93 199 99 57 39 2 5 548<br />

Sarpang 62 213 551 153 39 114 34 8 1174<br />

Thimphu 496 1785 392 662 314 1082 545 344 5620<br />

Trashigang . 20 0 0 1 1 6 5 10 43<br />

Trashiyangtse 0 0 44 0 0 0 0 0 44<br />

Trongsa 0 1 35 2 0 0 0 0 38<br />

Tsirang 7 0 0 24 0 8 1 0 40<br />

Wangdiphodrang 0 11 685 311 325 8 169 223 1732<br />

Zhemgang 22 16 20 2 17 34 0 23 134<br />

Total 783 3043 6774 1704 1119 1537 977 966 16903<br />

Percentage 4.6 18.0 40.1 10.1 6.6 9.1 5.8 5.7 100;0


District Haemoglobin Blood Malaria TB Sputum Urine Stool HIV Total<br />

levels groupin~ slides<br />

Bumthang 1222 557 101 138 1518 80 157 3773<br />

Chhukha 10280 4345 7355 1513 11131 651 715 35990<br />

Dagana 896 1485 49 43 1318 299 391 4481<br />

Gasa 67 42 0 0 79 0 0 188<br />

Haa 769 318 34 88 565 31 117 1922<br />

Lhuntse 1262 602 36 84 1579 92 121 3776<br />

Mongar 4564 3245 1055 1307 4314 524 892 15901<br />

Paro 3283 1429 251 204 3633 270 239 9309<br />

Pemagatshel 710 808 130 131 571 68 104 2522<br />

Punakha 3165 1318 840 177 3113 148 259 9020<br />

Samdrubj ongkhar 5672 1837 8718 658 8186 465 940 26476<br />

Samtse 6639 1687 7597 558 6110 206 311 23108<br />

Sarpang 7294 3134 25060 946 17652 291 749 55126<br />

Thimphu 28779 16207 2643 3252 27169 4354 7843 90247<br />

Trashigang 4114 4113 405 452 10457 194 346 20081<br />

Trashiyangtse 1008 508 39 163 929 33 49 2729<br />

Trongsa 866 443 91 28 602 54 56 2140<br />

Tsirang 1507 369 468 143 1105 78 52 3722<br />

Wangdiphodrang 2669 1421 586 562 3357 146 351 9092<br />

Zhemgang 1543 568 1026 49 1446 107 72 4811<br />

Total 86309 44436 56484 10496 104834 8091 13764 324414<br />

Percentage 26.6 13.7 17.4 3.2 32.3 2.5 4.2 100.0


District X-ray X-ray X-ray Ultrasound Prophy- Scaling Fillings Extractions Others<br />

chest extremities others GynlObs Abdomen Others {axis<br />

Bumthang 157 202 13 0 0 0 13 0 330 522 550<br />

Chhukha 2670 1549 891 191 229 81 382 55 2677 2660 5030<br />

Dagana 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 0 229 376 207<br />

Gasa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 o •<br />

Haa 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 6 290 201 377<br />

Lhuntse 76 39 9 1 0 4 19 1 207 256 246<br />

Mongar 1533 761 834 126 352 24 48 37 627 1401 1507<br />

Para 309 249 175 25 3 0 64 3 1013 1095 1447<br />

Pemagatshe1 80 61 32 0 0 0 22 1 76 341 380<br />

Punakha 605 548 364 572 411 122 77 2 412 420 1270<br />

Samdrubjongkhar 1579 724 653 185 235 122 81 0 587 1285 898<br />

Samtse 740 786 382 110 15 0 167 48 487 677 282<br />

Sarpang 2049 684 559 624 1157 87 69 22 1122 1779 1852<br />

Thimphu 11841 5879 6773 5194 5757 5677 406 272 5898 7871 11018<br />

I<br />

Trashigang<br />

416 254 219 721 323 134 66 91 1056 1590 957<br />

Trashiyangtse 223 109 64 0 0 0 53 17 67 68 44<br />

Trongsa 16 35 6 0 0 0 6 0 143 136 242<br />

Tsirang 261 223 93 6 0 0 48 0 344 529 543<br />

Wangdiphodrang 229 292 92 0 0 0 18 5 368 529 689<br />

Zhemgang 441 102 232 139 211 9 5 2 191 464 977<br />

Total 23225 12497 11391 7894 8693 6260 1585 562 16124 22200 28516


SN District HH access to HH having piped HH having drainage HH using garbage HH without separate HH safe<br />

sanitary latrine water supply and foot path disposal pits animal shed from smoke<br />

1 Bumthang 98.1 95.1 86.7 94.3 3.3 96.9<br />

2 Chhukha 90.6 82.6 72.2 76.9 12.1 22.7<br />

3 Dagana 83.9 56.9 28.1 79.0 45.6 70.1<br />

4 Gasa 88.2 38.5 39.6 77.7 4.6 80.8<br />

5 Haa 82.4 91.7 29.3 34.6 33.9 83.5<br />

6 Lhuntse 88.8 89.0 49.9 62.5 23.0 57.6<br />

7 Mongar 87.9 76.3 37.0 57.4 16.4 61.3<br />

8 Paro 94.4 89.7 75.2 82.4 18.5 76.3<br />

9 Pemagatshel 83.2 84.6 22.5 49.8 13.6 74.4<br />

10 Punakha 90.1 74.6 22.7 82.7 6.6 47.3<br />

11 Samdrubjongkhar 93.7 80.8 29.5 70.3 16.7 42.5<br />

12 Samtse 85.2 68.1 28.0 53.4 9.8 66.3<br />

13 Sarpang 87.7 83.6 46.8 60.3 35.7 63.1<br />

14 Thimphu 82.3 79.5 34.8 37.4 10.7 72.3<br />

15 Trashigang 91.9 85.7 29.7 46.2 17.0 30.4<br />

16 Trashiyangtse 89.6 81.4 52.3 71.1 22.8 38.7<br />

17 Trongsa 89.8 93.5 55.1 64.3 1.6 60.5<br />

18 Tsirang 82.7 70.5 42.9 71.4 38.5 45.9<br />

19 Wangdiphodrang 92.3 75.7 61.0 80.2 30.1 60.6<br />

20 Zhemgang 91.4 84.9 72.1 60.9 26.0 64.5<br />

Total 89.2 80.5 46.6 64.7 19.2 53.3


Outreach<br />

Clinic<br />

Tsimalakha Hospital<br />

Phuntsholing Hospital<br />

Gedu Hospital<br />

Chhumay<br />

Tang<br />

Ura<br />

Chhukha -I<br />

Bongo,<br />

Balujora *<br />

Chabchha<br />

Chongekha<br />

Getana<br />

Logcmna<br />

Tala<br />

Dungna<br />

Dagana -I<br />

Dagapela<br />

Drujegang<br />

Akhochin<br />

Tshangkha<br />

Lajab<br />

Jurugang<br />

Khagochen<br />

Gasa<br />

Lungnana<br />

Laya<br />

Damji<br />

Bali<br />

I<br />

Dorithasa<br />

Yangthang<br />

Sangbekha<br />

Autsho<br />

Dungkhar<br />

Gorsum (Ungar)<br />

Ladrong<br />

Menji<br />

Nay<br />

K.'loma<br />

Patpachhu<br />

1'angmach..'lu<br />

''senkhar<br />

7angkhar I I<br />

______________________ , -J


Districts Hospitals Basic <strong>Health</strong> Units ORC<br />

Mongar. Mongar Hospital Balam 55<br />

Bumpazor<br />

Chaskhar<br />

Drametse<br />

Gongdu (Dagsa)<br />

Gyalpozhing - I<br />

Junrni (Belam)<br />

Lingrnethang<br />

Kengkhar<br />

Nagor<br />

Ngatshang<br />

Pangthang<br />

Serzhong (Muhung)<br />

Silarnbi<br />

Thangrong<br />

Tsakaling<br />

Tsamang<br />

Yadi<br />

Yangbari<br />

Banjar<br />

Paro Paro Hospital Bitekha 26<br />

.<br />

Dawakha<br />

Drugyal<br />

Pemagatshel Pernagatshel Hospital Dungrnin 24<br />

Yurung<br />

Chhimong<br />

Trhumchung<br />

Punakha Punakha Hospital Kabisa 9<br />

Shelngana<br />

Samadingkha<br />

Tshochasa<br />

Talo (Mende gang)<br />

Sarntse Sarntse Hospital Dorokha 8<br />

Gomtu Hospital<br />

Sibsoo Hospital<br />

Dumtey<br />

Tendu<br />

Bara<br />

Buka *<br />

Chargaray *<br />

Chengrnari<br />

Ghumauney<br />

Denchukha<br />

Nainital<br />

Sengt en<br />

Panbari


Districts Hospitals Basic <strong>Health</strong> Units ORC<br />

Samdrub Jongkhar S'Jongkhar Hospital Samdubchholing - I(Raitar) 28<br />

Dewathang Hospital Nganglam - I<br />

Dalim *<br />

Jomotsangkha (Daifam)<br />

Dechheling<br />

\1artshala<br />

~1injiwoong<br />

Orong<br />

Samrang *<br />

Shingkharlauri<br />

Gomdar<br />

:t\orbugang<br />

Chhokhorling (Kulikata)<br />

Sarpang Sarpang Hospital Lhamoizingkha - I(Kalikhola) 12<br />

Gaylegphug Hospital<br />

Norbuling<br />

Dovangaon<br />

Jigmechholing (Surey)<br />

Chhuzangang (Taklai)<br />

Gongdara<br />

JigmeEng<br />

umling (Lalai) .<br />

Nichula *<br />

Maogaon *<br />

Phibsoo<br />

Manas<br />

Thimphu JDWNR Hospital Dechhen Chholing-I 23<br />

TBFHospital<br />

Thinlegang<br />

Gidakom Hospital<br />

Ga)'llekha<br />

Lungtenphug Hospital Lingzhi<br />

Mutithang (Sattelitc clinic)<br />

Jungzhinang<br />

(Sattelite clinic)<br />

i<br />

I<br />

I<br />

I<br />

i<br />

I<br />

I<br />

I<br />

I<br />

Trashigang Trashigang Hospital Bartsham, Bidung 63<br />

Riserboo Hospital<br />

Bikhar, Chhangmi<br />

Yonphula Hospital<br />

Kanglung - I, Kangpara<br />

Khaling, Mcrag<br />

"<br />

Nanong, Pasaphu<br />

Phongmcy, Radi<br />

Rangjung - I, Saktcn<br />

Thungkhar, Thongrong<br />

Tsangpo (Thrimshing)<br />

Ozarong, Yabrang<br />

Yangnyer, College Dispensary


Districts Hospital 13HU ORC<br />

Trashi Yangtse Yangtse Hospital Jamkhar 22<br />

Khem<br />

Khamdang<br />

Ramjar<br />

Tomiyangsa<br />

Yalang<br />

Trongsa Trongsa Hospital Bemji 23<br />

Kungarabten<br />

Langthel (Tontophel)<br />

Nabji<br />

Trashiling<br />

Zhangbi<br />

Tsirang Damphu Hospital Khorsani 5<br />

Mendegang (Lamidara)<br />

Tsirangtoe (Tsirangdara)<br />

Patalay<br />

Danasey*, Burichhu*<br />

Wangdi Phodrang Wangdi Hospital Bajo - I 25<br />

(Tencholing)<br />

Dangchhu<br />

Kamichhu<br />

Jalaula<br />

Phobjikha<br />

Samtegang<br />

Sephu<br />

Gaselo<br />

Vma<br />

Teki Agona<br />

Zhemgang Yebilabtsa Hospital Panbang - I 33<br />

Shemgang- I<br />

Gomphu<br />

Drogar<br />

Goshing<br />

Khomshar<br />

Lelegang<br />

Shingkhar<br />

Buli<br />

Edi*<br />

Kagtong<br />

Langdorbi<br />

Pantang<br />

Note: Hospital list excludes 1 hldigenous Hospital.<br />

* Centres not functioning.


~<br />

ICD Priority <strong>Health</strong> ProblemlDisease Under 5 Yean 5 Yean and older Referred Deaths<br />

Code<br />

Total<br />

Male Female Male Female In Out No.<br />

... « ;.LU .i. iii;iiiii. i:< Li·iiii;t ;...;:.: iii··: L< <<br />

AOO· Cholera I I 9 16 27<br />

AOI· Typhoid 113 87 951 997 2148 30 28 4<br />

A02· Diarrhoea 12361 11950 24187 21041 69539 19 17 2<br />

A03· Dysentery 4643 4711 12094 9662 31110 15 11 3<br />

A15· Tuberculosis 23 38 571 461 1093 124 66 22<br />

A33· Tetanus I I<br />

A36· Diphtheria<br />

A37· Pertussis<br />

ASI· Early Syphilis 6 10 97 81 194 I<br />

A54· Sexually Transmitted Disease, excluding HIV/AIDS I 6 1313 839 2159 6 3 I<br />

A80· Polio<br />

A82· Rabies I 11 4 16<br />

'11•• 1<br />

:::.:···::i •• ;;;·.·· c. i .i <


ICD Priority <strong>Health</strong> ProblemIDisease Under S Years S Years and older Referred Deaths<br />

Code<br />

Total<br />

Male Female Male Female In Out No.<br />

GOO* Meningitis/Encephalitis 23 29 145 162 359 11 28 21<br />

G41* Epilepsy 35 22 465 376 898 11 to 3<br />

GI0* Other Nervous inlcuding Peripheral Disorders 163 205 5172 6928 12468 37 65 6<br />

Eye & Ear Disc_* .... )//,<br />

HI0* Conjunctivitis 3084 3378 14353 17075 37890 12 21<br />

H25* Cataract 13 17 341 317 688 17 18<br />

HOO* Other Eye Disorders 1166 1287 11298 12499 26250 50 129 3<br />

H65* Otitis Media 3172 3137 7162 6560 20031 18 75<br />

H60· Other Ear Disorders 1129 1209 4273 4267 10878 26 71<br />

J}i$e"eJor~ir~.latory System •••• ),f! ;;""';) '/;,(.: ......: .. /).... ,/,.', ..•.;..<br />

) ..... ,;:. ): ,;;.;;;.<br />

100· Rheumatic Heart Disease 17 20 438 496 971 31 40 14<br />

110· Hypertension 6326 7869 14195 85 133 19<br />

120· Ischaemic Heart Diseases 277 276 553 27 12 33<br />

160· Cerebro-vascular Diseases I 2 108 62 173 8 9 24<br />

126· Other Circulatory Diseases 93 98 1973 2243 4407 33 67 34<br />

Res'tratery d.$elI . ;;,' ..... ;." .. ,.i···;./.)};, ....;..,<br />

.. ',..<br />

;... ; .., .)/ ......;,......; ...)..<br />

JOO* Common Cold 27884 27977 98954 110048 264863 333 34 I<br />

J02· Acute Pharyngitisrronsilitis 3399 3506 18863 20589 46357 29 40 I<br />

Jl2· Pneumonia 4503 4506 2292 2044 13345 63 106 61<br />

J01· Other Respiratory & Nose Diseases 3536 3408 12096 13111 32151 68 184 27<br />

......<br />

.<br />

l)~<strong>of</strong>~J)igestivemt~~<br />

....,'" ..) ..Y'i<br />

> ).. )(. 'joY,;;'<br />

••<br />

K02· Dental Caries 731 832 13476 14579 29618 7 120<br />

KOO· Diseases <strong>of</strong> Teeth & Gums 605 704 11099 11612 24020 II 80 3<br />

K20· Peptic Ulcer Syndrome 176 372 25320 32843 58711 71 195 4<br />

K35· Acute Appendicitis I 4 343 316 664 32 67<br />

K70· Alcohol Liver Diseases 659 488 1147 63 70 69<br />

K80* Gall Bladder Diseases 19 19 306 592 936 29 39 I<br />

KIO· Other Diseases <strong>of</strong> the Digestive System 1905 1979 14606 15009 33499 127 223 37<br />

: ..<br />

Skill Discases ........<br />

. ; .<br />

LOO· Skin Infections 10463 10345 42647 35848 99303 57 121 3<br />

L10· Other Disorders <strong>of</strong> Skin & Subcutaneous-tissues 4103 4067 20599 16890 45659 46 87 I<br />

Distal" <strong>of</strong> Museulo-skelt:tal .ystelQ &CogeJI~"IDerormities "<br />

MOO· Arthritis & Arthrosis 61 61 4564 4292 8978 29 37 2<br />

M20· Other Musculo-skeletal disorders 591 672 23326 19621 44210 130 149 5<br />

Genito-Uriaary distas"<br />

N30· Cystitis 6 11 175 59! 783 3 2<br />

N61· Infection <strong>of</strong> Breasts, including Puerperium I 10 715 726 14 5<br />

-<br />

N62· Other Disease <strong>of</strong> the Breast 2 3 29 144Q ]483 4 15<br />

N70· Pelvic Inflammatory Disease 1710 1710 36 14<br />

N91· Menstrual Disturbances :noo 3300 35 48<br />

NOO· Other Kidney, UTI Genital Disorders 545 527 6799 1243] 20302 145 185 29<br />

Pregnaney.<br />

Childbirth aod Puerperium<br />

••••••<br />

--_._~_.~---,<br />

--


ICD Priority <strong>Health</strong> Problem/Disease Under 5 Years S Years and older Referred Deaths<br />

Code<br />

Total<br />

Male Female Male Female In Out No.<br />

000· Abortions 579 579 32 24<br />

013· Pregnancy Induced Hypertension 365 365 22 46<br />

020· Ante-Partum Haemorrhage & Placenta Previa 118 118 12 34<br />

032· Malpresentation 113 113 16 42<br />

063· Prolonged Labour 267 267 32 97 I<br />

064· Obstructed Labour 222 222 13 31 I<br />

072· Post Partum Haemonhage 183 183 5 14 I<br />

073· Retained Placenta 332 332 24 33<br />

085· Puerperal Sepsis 93 93 8 4<br />

010· Other complications <strong>of</strong> pregnancy 1663 1663 112 169 I<br />

: .... i··i. iiC iii»i.i; .iii i·t .,·ii ... ···i· .<br />

• •••••••••<br />

,i .·.•:x :•• i·'i;<br />

P05· Low Birth Weight 143 160 303 I 6 4<br />

P95· Foetal Death & Stillbirth 63 47 110 3 3 35<br />

P96· Neonatal Death 32 23 55 I 2 43<br />

POO· Conditions Orginating in the Perinatal. Period 189 148 337 3 5 13<br />

-<br />

.JtunQU•••• .......... ' ' .. i;i'.· 7'.: ;; >i .Vii; ,>i··· :: >X..<br />

• • ii'<br />

Qoo· Malfotmations 35 34 32 35 136 I 5 2<br />

MMies •• ~ ••• 'J.;i· i·"··· .. i·fi ••·;;·//iLi' ;ii ;iii i.,.··....,•.. ., hi .i /i;.';;;';'"<br />

no· Bums and Corrosions 654 556 1418 1000 3628 20 26 5<br />

SOO· Injuries & Poisoning 970 822 12334 4991 19117 62 183 13<br />

VOl· Transport Accidents 43 40 1052 384 1519 41 120 II<br />

W53· Bites & Stings 420 382 2944 2031 5777 17 31 2<br />

WOO· Other External Causes <strong>of</strong> Injury 723 566 8509 4179 13977 96 109 10<br />

Y96· Work Related Injuries 199 196 7449 3078 10922 87 112 4<br />

Y40· Complications <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> Care 81 102 967 1023 2173 12 20 3<br />

ZOO· ANC, Immunisation & Other counselling 2857 3145 9245 18560 33807 102 68<br />

~d CIlSeS aU Cllll$eS<br />

:: Total Old Cases all causes<br />

Ed_·


~<br />

~<br />

Ii 8~<br />

,<br />

~ ~<br />

cq<br />

~ \-~<br />

;(>t\<br />

!t,<br />

8 Col<br />

~ ~<br />

..~ \-<br />

,~~<br />

••<br />

~.,<br />

:E<br />

... 8"-4 "\<br />

III ..,/~<br />

:J<br />

,<br />

~<br />

'a<br />

• .,~ ~<br />

-~ ~'Col<br />

.lie<br />

...<br />

~<br />

III<br />


~<br />

~ ~<br />

=::<br />

Q("<br />

:;l<br />

~<br />

~~<br />

..:: ~ ,,~<br />

~<br />

~~<br />

~<br />

~ ~<br />

5 ~«<br />

.~ c.<br />

~<br />

ClI<br />

a..<br />

y' O''t,<br />

liiI ?(>


Common cold<br />

Skin indfections<br />

Diarrhoea<br />

Peptic UnIcer Syndrome<br />

Acute Pharyngitis/Tonsilitis<br />

Other Disorders <strong>of</strong> Skin & Subcutaneous-tissues<br />

Other musculo-skeletal diseases<br />

Conjunctivitis<br />

Other Diseases <strong>of</strong>the Digestive System<br />

Other Res iratory & Nose Diseases<br />

Total<br />

264863<br />

99303<br />

69539<br />

58711<br />

46537<br />

45659<br />

44210<br />

37890<br />

33499<br />

32151<br />

1130126<br />

23.4<br />

8.8<br />

6.2<br />

5.2<br />

4.1<br />

4.0<br />

3.9<br />

3.4<br />

3.0<br />

2.8<br />

64.8<br />

Other musculo-skeletal<br />

diseases<br />

~<br />

~ Other Disorders <strong>of</strong> Skin & Subcutaneous-tissues<br />

~<br />

.!:3<br />

~<br />

Acute PharyngitisITonsilitis<br />

10.00 15.00<br />

Cases in %


ABER<br />

ACO<br />

AEFI<br />

AFP<br />

AGUS<br />

AIDS<br />

AN<br />

ANC<br />

ANM<br />

APH<br />

API<br />

ARDS<br />

ARI<br />

ASCUS<br />

BB<br />

BCG<br />

BHU<br />

BHW<br />

BL<br />

BSC<br />

BV<br />

CBR<br />

CDD<br />

CPR<br />

DANIDA<br />

DEL<br />

DHSO<br />

DMO<br />

DMPA<br />

OOTS<br />

DPT<br />

DSA<br />

DVED<br />

ECCD<br />

ECL<br />

ELISA<br />

EmOC<br />

ENT<br />

EPI<br />

Annual Blood smear Examination Rate<br />

Assistant Clinical Officer<br />

Adverse Events Following Immunization<br />

Acute Flaccid Paralysis<br />

Aptical grandular cells <strong>of</strong> undetermined significance<br />

Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome<br />

Assistant Nurse<br />

Antenatal Clinic<br />

Auxilliary Nurse Midwife<br />

.Ante-partum Haemorrhage<br />

Annual Parasite Incidence<br />

Acute Respiratory Depression Syndrome<br />

Acute Respiratory Infection<br />

Atypical squamous cells <strong>of</strong> undetermined significance<br />

Borderline Borderline<br />

Bacilli Callmal Gurrina<br />

Basic <strong>Health</strong> Unit<br />

Basic <strong>Health</strong> Worker<br />

Borderline<br />

Blood Slide Collection<br />

Bacterial Vaginalis<br />

Community Based Rehabilitation Programme<br />

Control <strong>of</strong> Diarrhoeal Diseases<br />

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate<br />

Danish International Development Assistance<br />

Department <strong>of</strong> Employment and Labour<br />

District <strong>Health</strong> Supervisory Officer<br />

District Medical Officer<br />

Depomedroxyprogesterone acetate<br />

Direct Observation Treatment Services<br />

Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus<br />

Daily Subsistence Allowance<br />

Drugs, Vaccinces & Equipment Division<br />

Early Child Care and Development<br />

Eclampsia<br />

Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorvent Assay<br />

Emergency Obstretric Care<br />

Ear, Nose and Throat<br />

Expanded Programme on Immunization


FYP<br />

GDMO<br />

GNM<br />

HA<br />

HERM<br />

HFA<br />

HIU<br />

HIV<br />

HMIS<br />

HPY<br />

HSIL<br />

HTN<br />

HW<br />

ICN<br />

IDA<br />

lDC><br />

IECH<br />

IMCI<br />

IMFAC<br />

IMR<br />

IRS<br />

ITBN<br />

ITMS<br />

IUD<br />

JDWNRH<br />

JE<br />

KAP<br />

LSIL<br />

MB<br />

MCH<br />

MDT<br />

MMR<br />

MOHE<br />

MTP<br />

NCCA<br />

NCCPE<br />

NID<br />

NIFH<br />

NITM<br />

NMCP<br />

NMEP<br />

NPA<br />

NTCP<br />

NTTA<br />

Five Year Plan<br />

General Duty Medical Officer<br />

General Nurse Midwife<br />

<strong>Health</strong> AS3istant<br />

<strong>Health</strong> Equipment Repair and Maintenance<br />

<strong>Health</strong> For All<br />

<strong>Health</strong> Information Unit<br />

Human Immuno Virus<br />

<strong>Health</strong> Management Information System<br />

Human Papilloma Virus infection<br />

High grade Squamous Intraepitheliallesion CH-II,CNIII ca-in-situ<br />

Hypertension<br />

<strong>Health</strong> Worker<br />

International Conference on Nutrition<br />

Iodine Deficiency Anaemia<br />

Iodine Deficiency Diseases<br />

Information, Education and Communication for <strong>Health</strong><br />

Integrated Management <strong>of</strong> Childhood Illness<br />

Integrated Management during Pregnancy and Child birth<br />

Infant Mortality Rate<br />

Indoor Residual Spray<br />

Insecticide Treated Bed Net<br />

Indigenous Traditional Medicine Services<br />

Intrauterine Device<br />

Jigme DOlji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital<br />

Japanese Encephalitis<br />

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice<br />

Low grade Squamous Intraepithelial/koilocytosis lesion CIN-I<br />

Multi Bacillary<br />

Maternal and Child <strong>Health</strong><br />

Multi Drug Therapy<br />

Maternal i'1ortality Ratio<br />

<strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> and Education<br />

Medium Term Plan<br />

National CoordinatiQn committee on Disability<br />

National Certification Committee for Polio Eradication<br />

National Immunization Days<br />

. National Institute <strong>of</strong> Family <strong>Health</strong><br />

National Institute <strong>of</strong> Traditional Medicines<br />

National Malaria Control Programme<br />

National Malaria Eradication Programme<br />

National Plan <strong>of</strong> Action<br />

National Tuberculosis Control Programme<br />

National Technical Training Authority


OCP<br />

OPD<br />

OPV<br />

ORC<br />

ORT<br />

OT<br />

PEM<br />

PHC<br />

PHD<br />

PIH<br />

PNC<br />

PPD<br />

PPH<br />

PTT<br />

PUO<br />

PUS<br />

RBM<br />

RCSC<br />

RDT<br />

RGoB<br />

RHD<br />

RHU<br />

RIHS<br />

RPR<br />

RTI<br />

SAARC<br />

SNID<br />

SPR<br />

STD<br />

STI<br />

STP<br />

TPF<br />

TPHA<br />

TT<br />

TV<br />

UNDP<br />

UNFPA<br />

UNICEF<br />

VAD<br />

VCT<br />

VHW<br />

VO<br />

Oral Contraceptive Pills<br />

Outpatient Department<br />

Oral Polio Vaccine<br />

Outreach Clinics<br />

Oral Rehydration Therapy<br />

Operation Theatre<br />

Protein Energy Malnutrition<br />

Primary <strong>Health</strong> Care<br />

Public <strong>Health</strong> Division<br />

Pregnancy Induced Hypertension<br />

Post-natal Clinic<br />

Policy and Planning Division<br />

Post-partum Haemorrhage<br />

Physiotherapy Technician<br />

Pyrexia <strong>of</strong> Unknown Origin<br />

Peptic Ulcer Syndrome<br />

Roll Back Malaria initiative<br />

Royal Civil Service Commission<br />

Rapid Diagnostic Test<br />

Royal Government <strong>of</strong> Bhutan<br />

Rheumatic Heart Disease<br />

Reproductive <strong>Health</strong> Unit<br />

Royal Institute <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> Sciences<br />

Rapid Plasma Reagin<br />

Royal Technical Institute<br />

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation<br />

Sub-national Immunization Days<br />

Slide Positivity Rate<br />

Sexually Transmitted Diseases<br />

Sexually Transmitted Infection<br />

Short T enn Plan<br />

Total Plasmodium Falciparum<br />

Treponema Pallidum Hearn Agglutination<br />

Tetanus Toxoid<br />

Trichomonas Vaginalis<br />

United Nations Development Programme<br />

United Nations Fund for Population Activities<br />

United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund<br />

Vitamin A Deficiency<br />

Voluntary counseling & testing<br />

Village <strong>Health</strong> Worker<br />

Vasectomy Operation

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