Bhutan has strengthened healthcare services across its eastern districts with the deployment of nearly Nu 300 million (about USD 3.15 million) worth of medical equipment provided by the Government of Japan. The equipment, supplied under a four-year project implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in collaboration with Bhutan’s Ministry of Health, includes more than 30 types of medical devices, such as digital X-ray and ultrasound machines, infant incubators and other essential equipment. The supplies have been deployed to district hospitals in Lhuentse, Trashigang, Trashi Yangtse, Pema Gatshel and Samdrup Jongkhar, as well as the Mongar Eastern Regional Referral Hospital. The initiative is expected to improve diagnostic and treatment capacity, allowing more patients to access essential healthcare closer to home. The Ministry of Health said trained personnel are already available in most districts to operate the equipment, while additional health workers will be recruited where needed. The project also focuses on strengthening the technical capacity of healthcare professionals. The handover comes as Bhutan and Japan celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations, highlighting the longstanding cooperation and friendship between the two countries and their shared commitment to improving healthcare access in Bhutan.
