The Royal Centre for Infectious Diseases at Gidagom, Thimphu, is now ready to take on patients and respond to emergencies starting next month. The centre will serve as the country’s main facility for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of infectious diseases. It was officially inaugurated today by the Health Ministry and JICA after about two years of construction.
The centre is an 80-bed hospital that can house 100 beds during public health emergencies.
It will serve as the first negative-pressure isolation unit, which is essential for infection prevention and control measures, as well as for the safe management of highly infectious diseases.
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay said, “Preparedness is not simply about responding to the next emergency. It is about protecting our people, about building a stronger, more resilient Bhutan for generations to come. That is why this centre is so very important.”
The centre will also function as a hub for research, surveillance, and training in infectious diseases.
Construction of the centre began in 2023, becoming the largest grant assistance Japan has provided to Bhutan’s health sector.
The project cost more than Nu 2.2bn.
JICA officials say Japan will continue to support the centre through future cooperation, particularly in strengthening human resource capacity.
JICA President Akihiko Tanaka(PhD) said, “We need skilled people to manage this facility, including those working directly with patients such as nurses and doctors, as well as scientists advancing medical research. To support this, JICA plans to implement technical cooperation projects.”
JICA provided medical equipment worth over Nu 274 M to enhance the centre’s facilities last month.
Health workers from the Gidagom hospital will move to the new facility in phases as operations gradually shift from the old structure.
Health Secretary Pemba Wangchuk said, “We cannot move everything in at once, so we will shift in department by department. This is an infectious disease hospital, so its role will grow in the future. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we realised how important a dedicated centre for infection control is, and that experience guided the planning of this facility.”
“Some additional facilities have been added here, so we will need more manpower. There is advanced laboratory equipment, improved healthcare systems, and a lift system. We also have a fire alarm system in place, and we have already recruited about four or five staff. However, we still need more staff for support services,” said Dr Bhim Nath Subady, the Chief Medical Officer of Gidagom Hospital.
Today’s inauguration, conducted on the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Japan, underscores the friendship and partnership between the two countries.
With the new centre in place, Bhutan is expected to further strengthen its capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to infectious diseases, building a more resilient health system for the future.
Singye Dema
Edited by Sangay Chezom
