A new chapter in Bhutan’s healthcare began today as the country’s first-ever multidisciplinary breast clinic opened its doors at the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital in Thimphu. The inauguration, graced by Her Majesty Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck, the Royal Patron and President of the Gyalyum Charitable Trust, is described as a historic milestone in the fight against breast cancer. Her Majesty was accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck.
Breast cancer remains the third most common cancer among Bhutanese women. According to the Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Bhutan: 2019–2022 report, 135 Bhutanese women were diagnosed with breast cancer.
With numbers on the rise, officials said the launch of a dedicated breast clinic brings new hope and advanced medical services closer to home.
Dr Sonam Zangpo, the surgeon of breast clinic in JDWNRH said, “This newly opened clinic at JDWNRH will be a one-stop centre, all under one roof, where diagnosis to treatment are ensured quickly and smoothly.”
While, breast cancer screening services were already available at the national referral hospital, the new Breast Clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical technologies, and is expected to provide specialised services to women, addressing gaps in early detection and treatment.
Dr Sonam Zangpo said, “We have the Near-Infrared Specimen radiography machines for breast surgery. We also have advanced 3D tomosynthesis machines, which are used for mammograms. This increases the accuracy in the detection rate by 30 to 40 per cent, thereby reducing mortality in persons who are detected with breast cancer.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Her Majesty the Queen Mother said the establishment of the Breast Clinic will not only provide timely access to advanced treatment but also raise national awareness on breast health and prevention.
The clinic will also provide services such as counselling and rehabilitation.
Dechen Pema, a radiologist at the JDWNRH said, “The clinic is not just for diagnostic and screening purposes, but we will also be carrying out awareness programmes. We have volunteers who will be helping out, and I urge all Bhutanese women that when awareness and screening programmes are conducted, they should undergo screening or mammography at least once when they turn 40.”
The facility is a result of a collaboration between the health ministry, the national referral hospital, the National Medical Services, and the Gyalyum Charitable Trust, with support from the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer in Bangkok, Thailand.
The clinic will open to public in the coming week. It will remain open for two to three days every week. It will look after both walk-in patients and referral cases.
Kinley Bidha
Edited by Kipchu
