Jigmi Wangdi

The 2023 National Health Survey reveals that 6.8 percent of Bhutan’s population lives with disabilities, with 48,325 people affected. Despite excluding children under five, the figure underscores the urgency for inclusive policies.

At the eighth meet-the-press session, Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk reaffirmed the government’s pledge to foster a more inclusive society.

Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk acknowledged the magnitude of addressing the needs of persons with disabilities (PwDs), citing the National Council’s Review Report on the State of Persons with Disabilities.

With key recommendations made in June to enhance education, the economy, and health, awareness is a priority. The recent ratification of the ‘Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities’ obliges Bhutan to report its progress to the UN by 2025.

Lyonpo emphasised the ministry’s focus on healthcare, early intervention, and collaboration to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for PWDs.

One of the health ministry’s key initiatives targets the early detection and prevention of disabilities.

The Bhutan Child Development Screening Tool, now part of the Mother and Child Health Handbook, ensures timely intervention for children aged zero to five who may face developmental challenges.

Lyonpo emphasised that “early intervention is crucial,” highlighting programmes like Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Paediatric Eye Screening, which address hearing and vision issues from infancy.

The ministry has also extended its “Hear, Listen & Speak” programme, screening approximately 78,000 children in ten districts.

“We are committed to ensuring early detection and care for hearing impairments in school-going children,” Lyonpo said, noting that free hearing aids, donated by consortiums, have been provided to those in need.

To date, 152 individuals have received these aids, while nine patients have undergone cochlear implant surgeries with rehabilitation support. Alongside early intervention, the ministry is focused on enhancing assistive technology and rehabilitation services.

Lyonpo said that Nu 0.8 million was allocated for training physiotherapists and technicians, with an additional Nu 1.6 million set aside for improving ear and hearing care services.

Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk announced that Nu 8.2 million has been committed in the 13th Plan to train health workers under the Community-Based Rehabilitation programme.

This initiative empowers both healthcare workers and families to enhance the quality of life for persons with disabilities by linking them to essential support systems.

Addressing accessibility challenges, Lyonpo emphasised the ministry’s commitment to making all healthcare facilities inclusive.

With Nu 100 million earmarked for retrofitting healthcare centres, starting with regional referral hospitals, modifications will focus on entrances, ramps, restrooms, and common areas.

Additionally, a Nu 3 million assessment has been launched to evaluate and improve the accessibility of these facilities.