February 26, 2025
THIMPHU – Bhutan is set to witness a groundbreaking transformation in its healthcare system with the construction of a Multi-Disciplinary Super-Speciality Hospital (MDSSH) within the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) campus.
This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health (MoH), underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s medical infrastructure, ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare, and significantly reducing reliance on foreign medical institutions.
The MDSSH project is a strategic response to Bhutan’s pressing healthcare challenges, including overcrowding at JDWNRH, long waiting times, and the absence of super-specialist medical services within the country.
The establishment of this “state-of-the-art facility” will not only expand inpatient and outpatient services but also introduce advanced treatments such as organ transplants and comprehensive cancer care, which have previously required patients to seek medical assistance abroad.
As part of this ambitious initiative, JDWNRH will also be refurbished and repurposed as Thimphu General Hospital (TGH), thereby catering to the growing healthcare needs of the capital and surrounding regions. With the rapid development of infrastructure and connectivity across Bhutan, more citizens are seeking treatment in Thimphu, placing immense pressure on existing healthcare facilities. This transformation aims to alleviate these challenges and elevate Bhutan’s medical services to international standards.
Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk said that the country was becoming smaller with development.
“In the past, it was very difficult to travel to Thimphu. However, today, as we have roads connecting the country, all our citizens come to Thimphu to receive treatment. If they think their illness cannot be treated in the regional hospitals, they always travel to Thimphu as a means to receive better care. His Majesty the Fourth King has always stressed that JDWNRH has to be developed as it is the last line of defence, as there is no other place other than JDWNRH for patients to go to,” Lyonpo said.
The MDSSH project, with an estimated funding requirement of Nu 8.47 billion, will be executed in multiple phases to ensure optimal resource allocation and maintain high-quality construction standards.
The hospital will feature a 250-bed National Cancer Hospital, a 400-bed Inpatient Department Block, and an Outpatient and Diagnostic Block, in addition to the refurbishment of JDWNRH. This substantial expansion is expected to revolutionise Bhutan’s healthcare landscape, making world-class medical treatment accessible within the country.
Given the magnitude and complexity of the project, the government has opted for a Design and Supervision Consultancy approach, allowing Bhutanese contractors to execute construction while adhering to international healthcare and infrastructure standards.
This methodology has already been successfully implemented in the construction of other major healthcare facilities in Bhutan, such as the Eastern Regional Referral Hospital and the Central Regional Referral Hospital, demonstrating its effectiveness in ensuring quality and efficiency.
“This plan was not a part of the 13th Plan, and although it was discussed in the past, it was only after thorough deliberation with our health experts that we concluded the transformation of JDWNRH into MDSSH was pertinent. This ambitious initiative aims to reduce overcrowding in JDWNRH, improve access to specialised healthcare services, and introduce high-quality tertiary care, minimising dependency on ex-country referrals,” Lyonpo said.
The MDSSH is envisioned to strengthen Bhutan’s national referral system and healthcare infrastructure, paving the way for a more self-sufficient and efficient health sector.
Lyonpo added that the government’s decision to establish MDSSH marks a significant milestone in Bhutan’s healthcare journey. “This transformative initiative is expected to enhance the country’s medical capabilities, ensuring that citizens receive top-tier treatment without having to travel abroad,” Lyonpo said.