India-funded 150-bed hospital opens in Bhutan

The Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital in Thimphu, Bhutan, has officially opened its doors, marking a significant milestone in the India-Bhutan healthcare partnership.

The new facility was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay on 23 March.

This 150-bedded hospital was constructed in two phases.

The first phase, operational since 2019, was completed with a total investment of Rs220m ($2.6m).

The second phase of the hospital’s development started in 2019, as part of the 12th Five Year Plan, at an estimated cost of Rs1.19bn ($14.2m).

This new establishment is expected to significantly improve the quality of mother and child health services in Bhutan.

Equipped with a wide range of facilities, the new hospital will cater to various medical needs, including paediatrics, gynaecology and obstetrics, operating theatres, anaesthesiology, and intensive care units for both neonates and children.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, India External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote: “A boost to partnership in healthcare. PM @narendramodi together with PM @tsheringtobgay of Bhutan inaugurated the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital in Thimphu. The state-of-the-art hospital is a shining example of India-Bhutan development cooperation.”

According to a Financial Express report, Bhutan’s Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk expressed his gratitude towards India for its continuous support in the health sector.

Wangchuk also revealed plans to establish a new cancer hospital on the same campus, aiming to improve Bhutan’s tertiary healthcare facilities and minimise the necessity for patients to seek treatment in India.

Modi said in a post on X: “Inaugurated the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital, which stands as a beacon of hope for several families, offering quality healthcare. This facility embodies a commitment to nurturing a healthy future generation.”

“New mother and child hospital opens in Thimphu, Bhutan ” was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. GlobalData