𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐩 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬

…𝑪𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒕 𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑶𝒖𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝑲𝒆𝒚 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔

By Kezang Choden

Three cabinet ministers presented the Action Taken Reports (ATR) on resolutions from the First Session of the National Assembly. The reports focused on key issues, including the establishment of a Crop and Livestock Compensation Trust Fund, enhancement of healthcare services, and the necessity of a Priority Development Fund.

Lyonpo Younten Phuntsho, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, outlined the progress on creating a Crop and Livestock Compensation Trust Fund. The initiative aims to provide financial security to farmers ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity.

Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk, Minister for Health, presented updates on the improvement of healthcare services. He highlighted steps taken to address critical gaps in medical infrastructure, human resources, and service delivery to enhance public health outcomes across the country.

Lyonpo Lekey Dorji, Minister for Finance, detailed the measures implemented towards the establishment of a Priority Development Fund. He emphasized its potential to support equitable regional development by addressing the specific needs of dzongkhags and gewogs through targeted interventions.

The ministers reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing these priorities, acknowledging their significance in ensuring economic resilience, social welfare, and balanced development.

The Minister for Agriculture and Livestock presented an update to the National Assembly on the motion to establish a Crop and Livestock Compensation Trust Fund. Highlighting efforts since 2016 to create a compensation mechanism, the Minister detailed previous unsuccessful attempts to establish an endowment fund in 2017 and an insurance plan in 2021. Drawing from these experiences, the Ministry proposed a national crop and livestock insurance scheme with a government subsidy covering 50 percent of premiums. Under the proposed scheme, premium contributions would range from 20 percent to 80percent, based on farmers’ affordability.

The Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, formed a Technical Working Group to refine the proposal. The scheme is scheduled for implementation next year, contingent upon budget approval. During deliberations, Members raised concerns about the affordability of premiums for farmers, with some advocating for a trust fund as an alternative. Suggestions were also made to expand coverage to include more commodities and highland livestock.

The House acknowledged the Minister’s report and supported the proposed insurance scheme over a trust fund. The decision was influenced by the Minister’s seven-point rationale favoring the scheme. A resolution to proceed with the insurance initiative was passed by a show of hands, with 29 out of 40 Members in attendance voting in favor. The Minister was directed to submit a follow-up report on the scheme’s progress during the Summer Session.

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has submitted its review on the proposal to reintroduce the Constituency Development Grant (CDG), now proposed as the Priority Development Fund (PDF). The proposal followed a motion passed by the National Assembly in July 2024. In its review, the MoF raised several concerns, including constitutional challenges related to the dual role of Members of Parliament (MPs) in approving and overseeing development funds.

The ministry also highlighted capacity gaps in local governments, risks of unequal fund distribution, and the potential for electoral interference, which could erode public trust. Additionally, the report flagged issues of non-compliance with CDG guidelines in the past.

The MoF recommended utilizing existing funding mechanisms, such as the Resource Allocation Formula (RAF) and annual block grants, instead of creating a separate PDF. The ministry argued that these systems ensure equitable distribution and efficient use of resources without risking procedural lapses or political bias.

During discussions in the National Assembly, members expressed dissatisfaction with the report, noting that it failed to align with the resolutions of the First Session. These resolutions had directed the ministry to allocate, review, and formulate guidelines for the fund’s utilization, monitoring, and reporting, while identifying areas where the PDF could bring maximum benefits.

Members also criticized the lack of progress and called for the ministry to table a detailed plan at the preliminary meeting. In response, the House resolved to continue following up on the matter in subsequent sessions, as outlined in Section 103 of the Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly, 2022.

The Minister for Health presented an update in the National Assembly on the ministry’s initiatives to enhance healthcare services in the country, aligning with resolutions passed by the House. Key measures include organizational restructuring, enhanced medical supplies, and infrastructure developments.

The restructuring of the Ministry of Health aims to improve governance and service delivery. This includes the integration of the National Medical Services (NMS) and the introduction of Dzongkhag Health Officers (DHOs) to strengthen healthcare at the local level.

The reinstatement of the Department of Traditional Medicine Services is also underway to promote an integrated healthcare system. The Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) is reviewing these reorganizational plans. The Ministry reported achieving a 95percent target in the availability of essential medicines, aided by streamlined supply chains.
Plans to establish regional medical depots in Samdrup Jongkhar and Paro during the 13th Five Year Plan are in progress. Outreach Clinics (ORCs), which were previously interrupted, have resumed operations, and funding for emergency medical services remains adequate.

To address equipment shortages, the Ministry is pursuing proposals for additional CT and MRI machines for the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of Japan. Despite customs-related challenges, refurbished equipment is also being considered to meet immediate needs.

The Emergency Department at JDWNRH has seen significant improvements, with the addition of 36 new beds and an increase in nursing staff. A hospice facility is being developed with support from Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother to enhance palliative care services.

The Minister also announced plans to recognize health workers on World Health Day as a gesture of appreciation for their dedication. Efforts to improve staff welfare include the establishment of recreational facilities such as a canteen and gymnasium at JDWNRH. These initiatives highlights the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services and ensuring equitable access to quality medical care across the nation.

This report was presented in the National Assembly on November 18, 2024,