𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧

…𝑭𝒐𝒄𝒖𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑨𝒅𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑮𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑴𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉 𝑵𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒔

By Lhendup Wangmo

As Bhutan grapples with the rising challenge of mental health issues, the government has outlined a comprehensive approach to tackling the problem, under the leadership of Health Minister, Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk. During the 8th Meet the Press, the minister emphasized that mental health is not merely an isolated concern but a national priority that requires a coordinated, multi-sectorial response.
With a strong focus on community-based mental health services, Minister Tandin Wangchuk highlighted the ongoing initiatives and the critical role of the PEMA Secretariat, which was established to consolidate and coordinate mental health interventions across the country under the guidance of Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen.

“We are fully aware of the growing need for a comprehensive mental health strategy in Bhutan,” said Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk. “As you must be aware, the PEMA was instituted to coordinate and consolidate mental health intervention in the country under the benevolent guidance of Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen. The PEMA is mandated to ensure a comprehensive approach that addresses not only mental health services but also the broader determinants of health that lie beyond the health sector.”

Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk outlined the ongoing efforts to create a full continuum of care, which includes preventive measures, treatment services, and long-term rehabilitation. “Our approach to mental health services encompasses the full continuum of care. This includes promoting mental well-being and preventing mental health issues, establishing acute response services, delivering people-centered mental health treatment, and providing rehabilitation, reintegration, and aftercare interventions,” the minister said.

This strategy reflects the government’s recognition of mental health as an integral component of overall health. With a strong emphasis on preventive care and the expansion of treatment options, the Ministry of Health is working to address the critical mental health needs of the population.

As part of Bhutan’s move towards universal health coverage, the ministry is working to integrate mental health services into general healthcare, making them accessible at the community level. “To bring mental health services closer to the community and integrate them into general health services, several programs have been initiated and are already underway,” Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk explained.

One of the first steps in this process involves maternal mental health screenings, which allow for the early detection of mental health challenges and mobilize treatment services when needed. “A stepped approach is underway, beginning with maternal mental health screenings for assessing common mental health challenges to mobilize treatment services if required. Training of Health Assistants and health service providers in terms of screening, basic management, and referrals is under process,” he said.

Training programs for health workers are critical in ensuring that community-level healthcare providers are equipped to manage mental health conditions. “We are revising the training manuals to strengthen these services further,” Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk added.

The Health Ministry has prioritized the expansion of mental health services to all Primary Health Centers (PHCs) across the country. This will ensure that basic mental health care is available in even the most remote areas, minimizing the need for individuals to travel long distances to receive treatment.

“We have reviewed the Mental Health Manual for integrated Mental Health Care and are training all PHCs across the country on community-based and people-centered mental health services,” the minister said. “This will ensure that basic mental health services are accessible within their community.”

He also emphasized that the recruitment of mental health professionals and the training of general healthcare providers are key ongoing initiatives to address the workforce gap in mental health care.

Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk outlined the development of a National Mental Health Strategy, which will guide Bhutan’s response to mental health issues over the next decade. “A national Mental Health program has been instituted, providing acute response services, including mental health and protection services accessible to the general public,” he said. “The National Mental Health Strategy is under review and has a plan to address mental health-related issues across the full spectrum – from promotion and prevention to response services, treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration. This is aligned with the 13th FYP and is expected to be finalized by 2024.”

The strategy will focus on ensuring that all aspects of mental health are covered, including workplace mental health, which is becoming increasingly important as Bhutan’s economy grows and the labor force expands.

One of the highlights of the revised National Mental Health Strategy is workplace mental health. Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk explained that mental well-being in the workplace has become a key focus, with the government developing new programs to support employees.

“Workplace mental health is one of the priorities in the revised strategy,” he said. “Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) strategies are underway to promote mental health and prevent mental disorders.”
As Bhutan works to expand access to mental health services, the number of trained professionals is also being increased. “Currently, there are five National Psychiatrists in JDWNRH (Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital) and about 20 Clinical Counselors in different health facilities,” Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk said. “The intake for postgraduate training in KGUMSB for Clinical Counseling has been increased to ensure recruitment in all hospitals at the earliest possible.”

The Health Ministry is also working on bolstering the country’s psychiatry capacity. “Currently, we have five residents pursuing Psychiatry. Next year, three will graduate, and regional referral hospitals will have psychiatrists,” the minister said. “Moreover, some mental health courses will be provided through KGUMSB.”

Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk concluded his statement by emphasizing the importance of a united effort to improve mental health services across the country. “The government is committed to ensuring that no one in Bhutan is left behind when it comes to mental health care,” he stated. “Through our multi-faceted approach, we hope to address not only the medical aspects of mental health but also the social and environmental factors that contribute to the overall well-being of our citizens.”

With the support of the PEMA Secretariat and the Ministry of Health’s focused efforts, Bhutan is set to make significant strides in mental health care, ensuring that services are available and accessible to everyone in need.
As the nation moves toward achieving its mental health goals, the initiatives spearheaded by Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk and the Ministry of Health serve as a beacon of hope for a brighter, healthier future for Bhutanese citizens.