Bhutan’s health problem demands immediate and comprehensive action. Dr Bhupinder Kaur Aulakh, WHO Representative to Bhutan, has sounded the alarm on the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country. The urgency to address this crisis extends beyond the health sector; it requires collaboration with all sectors of society to alleviate the risk factors.
Non-communicable diseases, often referred to as lifestyle diseases, now account for more than 70 percent of all deaths in Bhutan. This staggering statistic is a reflection of our changing lifestyles and the escalating consumption of tobacco and alcohol, coupled with increasing physical inactivity. These factors contribute significantly to the rise in NCDs, which include cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes. The findings of the fifth National Health Survey (NHS) highlight a troubling trend that we can no longer ignore.
Alcohol consumption is a critical concern. According to the NHS, 40.2 percent of men and 33.3 percent of women in Bhutan are regular drinkers. This has far-reaching consequences for public health, which contribute to liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and various cancers. Tobacco usage also has seen a sharp increase, rising from 25.2 percent to 34 percent between 2019 and 2023. Tobacco, in both smoked and smokeless forms, poses severe risks of lung cancer, respiratory diseases, and heart conditions.
The consumption of areca nuts is another alarming health risk, leading to oral cancers and other serious health issues. Excessive salt intake among Bhutanese, averaging 8.5 grams daily, far exceeds the WHO’s recommended limit of five grams.
This contributes to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Physical inactivity further exacerbates the problem, with 18.3 percent of Bhutanese aged 15 to 69 years not meeting recommended physical activity levels. Men, at 22.3 percent, are more inactive than women at 14.7 percent, leading to obesity rates of 42.2 percent for men and 49.2 percent for women.
These factors significantly increase the incidence of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.
To combat this growing health problem, immediate and robust interventions are necessary. Stricter regulations and higher taxes on alcohol and tobacco products can help deter consumption. Public awareness campaigns must be intensified to educate people about the risks associated with these substances and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle – the more. Our dietary guidelines should promote the reduction of salt intake and encourage the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Infrastructure development is also crucial – more parks and sports facilities to support physical activity and promote a culture of exercise. Workplace wellness programmes can play a significant role in encouraging healthier lifestyles among employees. Schools should also be involved in this initiative, teaching children the importance of physical activity and balanced nutrition from a young age.
The findings of the NHS is a warning. It is time we took it seriously.