Reports maintained with the Royal Bhutan Police show an increase in the number of inmates seeking psychiatric services in the last two years. In 2023, Chamgang Central Prison in Thimphu recorded eight inmates requiring psychiatric care. The number rose to 16 last year, with four cases recorded this year to date. While the country’s prisons lack dedicated mental health centres due to a shortage of professionals, the government has outlined both ongoing efforts and plans to further enhance psychiatric care and rehabilitation within the prison premises. In the meantime, inmates continue to receive psychiatric services through the mainstream healthcare system at the national referral hospital.
Currently, inmates with severe mental health conditions seek treatments at the National Referral Hospital. The referral process includes gathering a brief medical history from family members or community leaders and reviewing past psychiatric medication. After an individual assessment, an appointment is scheduled if necessary.
According to the police, for non-severe cases, medications are provided weekly under the supervision of the duty commander and block health captain. Weekly updates on their condition are provided, with further evaluations as needed.
According to the data, nearly 20 mental health conditions have been reported among inmates this year alone. Schizophrenia is the most prevalent with five cases, followed by epilepsy with four. Adjustment disorder and bipolar disorder follow with 3 cases each.
In a recent Meet the Press, Home Minister Tshering outlined the government’s programmes to further enhance the psychiatric care and rehabilitation for the inmates.
This includes an ongoing study by the PEMA Secretariat and the Centre for Bhutan Studies assessing the prevalence and link of mental health issues with reoffending as well as the expansion of mental health services through the establishment of the Reintegration and Aftercare Centre in Wangdue Phodrang.
“Ministry of Health provides counselling and medical aid to inmates. Similarly, the police provide medication as prescribed by the doctors, along with yoga routine and meditation for mental well-being as well as engaging them in sports.”
He added that the Prison-based Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Care Programme for inmates convicted of substance abuse is currently the only specialised programme. Launched in 2023, the programme aims to reduce reoffending, provide holistic care, and reintegrate drug offenders as productive members of society.
As of today, there are a total of more than 2,000 inmates at the Chamgang Central Prison.
Tashi Dekar
Edited by Phub Gyem
