The Bhutan Medical Relief Team was warmly welcomed home after completing a vital humanitarian mission in earthquake-affected Myanmar. Deployed under the Command of His Majesty The King, the team delivered emergency medical care and humanitarian support in one of the worst-hit regions of the country.
The deployment came in response to the powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28. Operating from a fully equipped field hospital in Pyinmana Township, the team provided critical services from April 1 to 17, working closely with the Government of Myanmar to support relief efforts.
The hospital, set up at Paung Laung Stadium, featured outpatient clinics, X-ray and ultrasound facilities, laboratory services, a pharmacy, a 66-bed ward, and a Level 2 operating theatre—enabling both emergency and extended care.
Dasho Tashi Wangyal, the team leader of Bhutan Medical Relief Team said “Because we were landing in a disaster zone, also with associated security and political problems, we were not certain what kind of environment we would encounter. However, with clear directive, vision, and guidance from His Majesty The King, support from the Royal Government, and the teamwork and dedication of each and every team member, we were able to accomplish the mission that was assigned. Primarily, we were assigned to undertake a medical relief mission, and that went on very successfully. Over the course of two weeks, we treated over 3,600 patients in the Bhutan Field Hospital, that was operated along with the Myanmar Ministry of Health. And we also conducted 75 surgeries and numerous other services, ranging from lab services.”
The Bhutanese team included 11 doctors, 12 nurses, 19 allied health professionals, 27 Desuups and Gyalsups, and 18 personnel from the Royal Bhutan Army and other agencies. This was also the first international deployment for Gyalsups, with seven members from the Gyalsung 2024 batch.
Dr Tashi Tenzin, a neurosurgeon and the team’s medical leader, shared that prior experience made a significant difference.
“We are happy to be back with a deep sense of fulfilment, having carried out His Majesty The King’s command. Our mission went smoothly because we had members who had experience from previous relief efforts in Nepal.”
As word of the team’s presence spread, patients from across the region travelled to the camp. While initial cases were mostly trauma-related, the team soon began treating chronic conditions and people who had lost access to medication after their homes were destroyed.
Dr Jambay Choden, part of the medical team, spoke of the human connection forged during the mission.
“In Myanmar, beyond delivering medical care, we formed a close bond with patients, the public, and local healthcare teams. It wasn’t just a doctor-patient relationship; it became a family-like connection, and that’s what I’ll remember most.”
The team worked in three shifts a day to keep services running around the clock while avoiding staff exhaustion. Behind the scenes, Desuups and Gyalsups ensured smooth camp operations—from sanitation and security to patient movement and logistics.
For many Gyalsups, this was their first time serving abroad. Damcho Lhendup, one of the youngest on the team, said the guidance from more experienced members made all the difference.
“Though I am young and inexperienced, we had mentors from health sectors, the Army and other professionals who guided us throughout. We carried out our duties with full commitment to His Majesty’s vision.”
To ensure minimal burden on the host country, the Bhutanese team brought its own tents, medical supplies, and food rations. Only fresh produce was sourced locally. Myanmar authorities provided water, electricity, and basic sanitation support.
Local response was overwhelmingly warm. Residents expressed gratitude through small but heartfelt gestures—refusing payment at barbershops, offering discounts at hardware stores, and even sending food to the camp. While the team politely declined these offerings, the appreciation left a lasting impact.
In addition to medical care, the Bhutan team installed three SkyHydrant MAX water filtration systems in communities where infrastructure was destroyed. Each unit produces 10,000 litres of clean water daily. The systems were handed over at three monastic institutions, where the team also provided emergency relief materials and on-site medical consultations.
The Bhutan camp was visited by several international medical teams and local authorities, who praised the team’s preparedness and professionalism. A senior Myanmar official asked his team to study the Bhutanese model for future reference.
The experience also strengthened Bhutan’s own disaster response capabilities. By participating in international relief, the team gained insights and skills that will be valuable during future emergencies at home.
As the final group returned on April 18, the team concluded its mission with a deep sense of purpose—grateful for the chance to serve, and proud to represent Bhutan on a global humanitarian stage.
