COUNTRY BACKGROUND - Gross National Happiness Commission

CHAPTER 13
HEALTH SERVICESHEALTH SERVICES
I. Basic SituationI. Basic Situation
Traditional Concepts of IllnessTraditional Concepts of Illness
13.1 Bhutan has inherited a centuries old system of medicine, introduced from Tibet in the 17th century. People's
perception of illness is linked to Buddhist tradition and culture, and a substantial section of the population may
turn first to spiritual and ritual remedies. Tzips (astrologers) are also consulted to identify the cause of the
complaint. While a substantial number of people continues to rely on these traditional forms of health care, a
willingness to use western health care services is increasing. This dependence on both forms of medicine has been
appreciated by the Royal Government, who officially recognised traditional medicine - So wa rigpa - in
1967.
13.2 Western health services were introduced in the early 1960's, with the main expansion of health
infrastructure starting in the 1970s. From the outset, it was realized that an integrated health service was the most
effective strategy to reach a scattered population. Thus the primary health care approach has been pursued even
before the declaration of Alma Ata in 1978.
Table 13.1 Demographic Statistics (latest data in 1991)
INDICATOR
Expectation of life at birth
Department of Health ServicesDepartment of Health Services
LATEST
DATA
13.3 The Department of Health Services is under the Ministry of Social Services and has 4 Divisions: Health
Planning and Development; Public Health; Medi-Care and Central Administration Divisions. The Department is
responsible for the provision of health care services to the whole population, through the establishment of the
necessary infrastructure, training and employment of staff and distribution of supplies. The Department provides
45.6
YEAR
80-85
Crude Birth Rate 39.1 1984
General Fertility Rate 169.6 1984
Total Fertility Rate 5.9 1984
Child - woman Ratio 595.5 1984
Population Growth Rate 2.0 1984
Infant Mortality Rate 142. 1984
Child Mortality Rate 21.1 1984
Maternal Mortality Rate 7.7 1984
Gross Reproduction Rate 2.9 1984
1