Jigmi Wangdi

The ministry has been working on comprehensive rules and regulations for private healthcare services and is almost ready to be submitted to the Cabinet, Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk said during the National Assembly’s question and answer session on November 19.

Lyonpo was responding to the question from the South-Thimphu MP, Tshewang Rinzin, who raised concerns about the increasing demand for private medical service centres.

He said that these centres offer convenient access to experienced and retired medical professionals who have previously served the nation, earning public trust. “Their user-friendly environment, ease of obtaining appointments, and skilled professionals were appreciated by the people.”

MP Tshewang Rinzin said that many Bhutanese were travelling abroad for medical and dental services, draining the country’s hard currency. He suggested that private centres within the country could curb this trend while generating employment opportunities.

“In view of the many benefits and offering a choice of services to our people at a minimum cost, the private dental and medical services are a fact requirement by the public today,” he said. Tshewang Rinzin further suggested that private health services could help decongest government facilities and reduce the patient load.

Lyonpo said the government remains committed to public healthcare as mandated by the Constitution, with private clinics allowed to supplement public services.

As per the National Health Policy 2011, the government allowed private involvement in healthcare, and by 2012, the Cabinet had approved private diagnostic centers.

Subsequently, 13 centers applied for licenses, with 11 eventually operating. However, in the absence of proper rules and regulations led to the suspension of private practices in 2018.

“After that, we did some research and found that private participation is very beneficial,” Lyonpo said.

Sharing his concerns, he said that only 2-5 percent of Bhutanese could afford private healthcare services, which could disrupt services for the remaining 95 percent of Bhutanese.

The government is currently working on comprehensive Rules and Regulations and guidelines for private healthcare service centers. In addition, the government is also drafting the Health Act.

“Once the Rules and Regulations and guidelines are out, it would improve the quality of health services in the country,” Lyonpo said, adding that a robust robust regulation is necessary, drawing on the experiences from Thailand and Sri Lanka.

With proper regulations, he said that there are risks of health workers switching to private medical centres without proper regulations, which could compromise the public centres.

Lyonpo said the government is committed to ensuring that private healthcare meets high standards. He added that specific services such as dental care might be among those considered. “We will see what can be done through private centres and how it can be done,” he said.