Bhutan has launched its first national Digital Health Centre in Thimphu to offer telemedicine services to rural populations. The centre, established with UNDP and WHO support, allows patients in distant villages to consult with doctors via digital platforms.
Health Minister Dechen Wangmo said this marks “a revolutionary step toward equity in healthcare.” The centre will also maintain digital records and AI-based diagnostics in future phases.
This model could be highly relevant in northeast Indian states such as Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, where terrain and limited infrastructure make access to healthcare challenging. Joint research and digital health exchanges may be considered.