After serving in the health sector for nearly two decades as a specialist, Dr Phurb Dorji, 56, has resigned to contest from Gasa in the upcoming National Council elections.
The gynecologist and sub-specialist in maternal fetal medicine with the national referral hospital is contesting to further strengthen the health system in the country.
“Good health is the best asset of everyone,” he said.
Dr Phurb Dorji did his MBBS from Dhaka University. He completed a fellowship in Obstetrics and Gynecology from Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons, and sub-specialised in Maternal Fetal Medicine from National Women’s Hospital University of Auckland in New Zealand.
“I have had the golden opportunity to contribute with my team members in my best capacities in health service delivery,” he said.
He contributed in reducing maternal mortality ratio and improving maternal health in Bhutan, strengthening health research in the country, and in starting the Postgraduate Medical Specialists Training programme under the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan.
In the past, Dr Phurb Dorji said Gasa did not have many NC candidates. “My participation will give the people of Gasa more choice and help strengthen the democratic process in Bhutan.”
He said curative health service cost is increasing in Bhutan. “But, we have a choice to reduce cost in future by investing on promotive and preventive health activities as joint responsibilities by all sectors.”
The scope of promoting good health for everyone goes into having good policies from every sector and not only left to the health ministry, he said.
“With my years of experience in health, NC is the correct platform to review policies on all matters related to health promotion, prevention of diseases and curative services,” he said. “My strength to contribute in the NC will be on all matters related to health.”
He was the head of Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology department at the hospital and the first dean of the faculty of Postgraduate Medicine with KGUMSB.
Dechen Tshomo