𝐀𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐠𝐚𝐲

Tashi Namgay, 39, is Executive Director of Bhutan Kidney Foundation (BKF) who was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Failure (CKD) at the age of 21. He recollected how his life changed drastically as he began undergoing dialysis in 2006, a treatment he endured for over two months while waiting for a kidney transplant.
Tashi Namgay has become a public figure beyond his personal journey in raising awareness about kidney health in Bhutan. He became closely involved with BKF, an organization dedicated to addressing kidney-related health issues. His story not only highlights the importance of early diagnosis and organ donation but also emphasizes the need for improved healthcare access for those suffering from chronic illnesses. He continues to inspire others through his advocacy, showing that even in the face of adversity, there is a powerful opportunity to give back to the community.

Q. What inspired you to work with the Bhutan Kidney Foundation?
A. My journey began as a civil servant with no prior knowledge of kidney health. In 2005, I started experiencing symptoms of kidney failure and eventually underwent a life-saving kidney transplant in 2006. It has been 18 years since the transplant, and I am deeply grateful for the support I received from our government, which gave me a second chance at life. Having faced the struggles and challenges that kidney patients endure, I was inspired to give back by establishing the Bhutan Kidney Foundation. Through this foundation, I aim to support others on their journey and raise awareness about kidney health.

Q. What inspired you to establish the Bhutan Kidney Foundation, and how did your journey begin?
A.My personal battle with kidney failure was both challenging and deeply transformative. I endured immense suffering, which made me realize how difficult it is for many people to fight this disease. While no one is ever ready to face the prospect of death, it’s a fear we all share. There is treatment available, but unfortunately, not all cases have a positive outcome.
After experiencing the disease, I recognized that patients need more than just medical care, they also need support and guidance. While the Ministry of Health provides excellent healthcare services, raising awareness about kidney health remains a significant challenge. I saw the Bhutan Kidney Foundation as an opportunity to fill this gap, serving both the country and those affected by kidney disease.
This vision was also inspired by the memory of my late aunty, who played a significant role in shaping my perspective. The foundation became my way of giving back, turning my personal struggles into a meaningful effort to help others navigate their own journeys.

Q. What is the primary mission and vision of the Bhutan Kidney Foundation?
A. Our mission is to prevent kidney disease by addressing its root causes and raising awareness. As highlighted by the Health Minister, the prevalence of lifestyle-related illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity is on the rise in Bhutan. These conditions not only lead to kidney disease but also impact the heart, creating immense challenges for families and placing a significant financial burden on them and the nation.
By working hand-in-hand with the government, we aim to educate people and promote healthier lifestyles to prevent the onset of kidney disease. Prevention is key- it spares individuals and families from unnecessary suffering and reduces the strain on healthcare resources.
Currently, the foundation supports 140 individuals, but our broader vision is to create a future where kidney disease is minimized through proactive awareness and prevention efforts.

Q. What specific programs or initiatives does the Bhutan Kidney Foundation run to support patients with kidney disease?
A. The Bhutan Kidney Foundation has implemented several programs to support individuals suffering from kidney disease, recognizing the profound challenges they face. Among the 412 patients currently on dialysis in Bhutan, the youngest is just seven years old, and the oldest is 85. Our initiatives are designed to not only provide practical support but also uplift their spirits and improve their quality of life.
The Bhutan Kidney Foundation offers a range of programs and services aimed at supporting kidney patients and their families. Pilgrimages and ration distribution are organized to provide emotional and spiritual motivation to patients, along with easing financial burdens. Rations are distributed not only in Thimphu but also across seven other dzongkhags.
Shelter and transportation support is another critical service, with free accommodations provided for patients, including two flats in Gelephu and one in Wangdue Phodrang. To facilitate travel for dialysis treatments, the Foundation covers taxi fees and provides free bus cards to 17 individuals in Thimphu.
Recognizing the educational challenges faced by children of kidney patients, the Foundation offers educational assistance, tracking cases where children drop out of school and helping them reintegrate into the education system.
For patients requiring treatment abroad, the Foundation provides financial support to cover additional expenses such as housing and rations. The highest monthly financial assistance provided has been BTN 22,500, demonstrating the Foundation’s commitment to easing the burden on families during challenging times.
These programs are made possible thanks to the unwavering support of His Majesty the King and the Government of Bhutan. Our initiatives aim to alleviate the financial and emotional strain of kidney disease, ensuring that patients and their families have access to the resources and care they need.

Q. Do some family members hesitate to donate a kidney due to a lack of understanding of awareness efforts? Could this misunderstanding be the reason behind their hesitation?
A. The decision to donate a kidney varies significantly among families. While some families fully support their loved ones, others hesitate or refuse, making it incredibly challenging for patients and organizations like ours.
In cases where family members have compatible blood types but still refuse to donate, we often have to seek donors from outside the family. However, external donors may demand money, which is not only against the law but also places a significant financial burden on patients. Family donations tend to proceed more smoothly and without complications.
The Bhutan Kidney Foundation is actively working to address this issue through extensive awareness campaigns. We raise awareness through meetings, public announcements, and media outreach. Unfortunately, some individuals may not fully grasp the information being shared, which could contribute to their hesitation to donate.
To bridge this gap, we invite family members to visit our office or connect with us through video calls for detailed explanations and clarification. Our goal is to ensure that everyone fully understands the importance and implications of kidney donation, not just for the patient but for the entire family. By fostering understanding and compassion, we hope to encourage more family members to step forward and support their loved ones in need.

Q. Do patients listen to your guidance, or do they tend to ignore it?
A. Most patients under our care do listen to us because they are enduring immense suffering and look to us for guidance and support. We treat them with the care and compassion of family, often stepping into a parental role for them. Many patients express profound gratitude, with some even likening the Bhutan Kidney Foundation to a divine presence in their lives. While we are humbled by their reverence, we always remind them that we are simply here to be a guiding light and a source of support during their journey.
However, challenges arise when it comes to external support. While some families and partners provide unwavering assistance, others do not, which complicates the situation. This disparity in support creates additional hurdles as we strive to manage and assist patients effectively. Our focus remains on being there for the patients, helping them navigate their struggles, and ensuring they feel valued and supported.

Q. Some patients have family members who support them, while others do not. Have you encountered such situations?
A. Yes, we have come across such situations. One that deeply moved us was the story of a 13-year-old girl whose kidneys had failed. As she began dialysis, we reached out to her parents and family, urging them to consider donating a kidney to save her life. Sadly, all her family members refused. Her parents struggled with alcoholism, and her sister, who was married, was unable to assist. The girl, unmarried and so young, endured dialysis for nine long years.
Her story was heartbreaking, seeing such a young person with so much potential for life was difficult to bear. However, there was a silver lining. A 29-year-old woman from Gelephu came across the story on our Facebook page and reached out to us, offering to donate her kidney. This selfless act changed the girl’s life. The kidney transplant was successfully carried out, with all expenses covered by the government.
Today, under the guidance and orders of His Majesty the King, she is recognized as a citizen of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and is leading a stable and happy life. This experience shows the importance of both family and community support in transforming lives.

Q. Are there many people who come forward to donate a kidney, or do most of them demand money?
A. Based on our experience, around 99.5 percent of individuals demand money in exchange for a kidney, while only a small fraction, about 0.5 percent, donate out of genuine altruism. Those who selflessly donate often wish to remain anonymous, but as per the law, we require an official agreement to ensure transparency and legality.
Individuals like Tshering Choden stand out as rare examples of true generosity and compassion, donating a kidney without expecting anything in return. However, such cases are exceptionally rare.
To address this issue, we are planning to intensify our efforts to raise awareness about kidney health and the critical need for donations. Through education and outreach, we hope to inspire more people to come forward as donors for the greater good of the community.

Message:

“I urge everyone to prioritize their health by getting regular checkups. In our country, some services are free, unlike in other countries where medical expenses can be high. Regular health screenings can help detect diseases early, preventing complications later.
Health specialists also emphasize the importance of reducing salt intake to no more than 5 grams per day and making a habit of drinking clean, boiled water. Let’s not take our health for granted- prevention is always better than cure.”