In the next five years, the country will have its first batch of medical doctors trained within the country. In a move towards improving medical education in Bhutan, 25 students will pursue the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, MBBS programme in the country. Commemorating the 12th Royal Wedding Anniversary, the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan launched the MBBS programme at the Simtokha Dzong in the capital yesterday.
Addressing the gathering at the launch, Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering said that the new MBBS programme is important in improving Bhutan’s health care system.
The prime minister added that this is just a start and the journey ahead for Bhutan will not be easy.
According to the university’s president, introducing the programme in the country is expected to address the increasing need for medical professionals in Bhutan.
Meanwhile, students who will pursue the medical course are hopeful the programme will help Bhutan become self-reliant in producing general-duty medical officers.
“Starting the MBBS programme in Bhutan is important because for years we have seen many talented students leave to pursue medical education abroad. In order to reduce dependency on other countries, it was important to start the MBBS programme in the country,” said Karma Choden Dorji.
“During the pandemic, we have seen that Bhutan faced a lot of difficulty due to the lack of doctors and health officers. We never know what the world will throw at us again. That is why, by starting the MBBS programme in the country, we will be able to stand strong and help out during such times,” said Phurba Dorji.
The classes of the MBBS programme will officially commence in January of next year.
In the future, the programme aims to attract students from other countries to study medicine in the country.
Deki Lhazom
Edited by Sherub Dorji
