Bhutan’s dream of starting a medical college is nearing. A research by a medical doctor found that a medical college in Bhutan is now feasible with Faculty for Postgraduate and internship programme in Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital.
Due to lack of human resources in the country to train undergraduates, the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan could not start the medical college a few years back.
However, the university is now planning on proposing the project in the 12th Five Year Plan.
“We have already started the post graduate training programme for the past three years and we have gained experience…” said the President of Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Kinzang P Tshering.
He said their internship programme which is important component of medical education is also well established.
Dr. Kinzang said they have been establishing and building capacity in basic sciences. “…Now, I think it’s time that we think of medical college and go for it.”
According to the research, the government spends more than global estimates of US$ 144,000 on training a doctor abroad. All the 244 doctors in the country were trained in other countries.
There are lot of advantages in establishing our own medical colleges, according to a researcher with JDWNR Hospital, Thinley Dorji.
“We will be producing our own human resources, which will be a prestige for our country.”
Dr. Kinzang P Tshering said when there is a medical college within the country then the quality can be managed according to the country’s need.
He added to improve the quality of health system in the country; Bhutan requires a pool of specialist.
