Bhutan’s healthcare system is facing a growing oxygen shortage as respiratory illnesses surge across the country, forcing some patients to remain in hospital beds simply to access oxygen support.
At Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH), the situation is particularly strained. Of its 329 oxygen concentrators, 308 have already been issued for home use, leaving just 21 available for new patients.
The pressure extends nationwide. Bhutan currently has 552 oxygen concentrators across its healthcare system, with 371 already in use, according to the Ministry of Health Bhutan. Regional hospitals are also nearing capacity. The Eastern Regional Referral Hospital has 23 of its 26 units in use, while the Central Regional Referral Hospital has issued 12 out of 15. Smaller facilities like Samtse Hospital and Punakha Hospital are also experiencing rising demand.
Health officials say the shortage is largely driven by long-term home use. Patients requiring oxygen therapy can take concentrators home after paying a refundable deposit of Nu 25,000. However, many units are returned damaged, further shrinking the already limited supply.
The impact is visible inside hospitals. Patients with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma are being admitted not for emergency care, but simply to access oxygen. This has led to overcrowded wards, with beds occupied by patients who could otherwise be treated at home if equipment were available.
The shortage comes amid worsening air quality and a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses. According to the Annual Health Bulletin 2025, Bhutan recorded over 154,000 cases of notifiable diseases in 2024, with acute respiratory infections accounting for 82 percent—children being the most affected.
Officials stress that oxygen concentrators are not the only solution. Hospitals also provide oxygen cylinders for home use, which are considered more reliable during power outages. “Cylinders are safer for continuous oxygen therapy, as concentrators cannot function without electricity,” an official noted.
Despite this, concentrators remain in high demand due to ease of use. Their high cost—exceeding Nu 100,000 on the private market—puts them out of reach for many families.
To address the gap, the health ministry plans to procure 48 additional oxygen concentrators for hospitals (excluding JDWNRH) in the 2026–27 financial year, with further purchases depending on budget and need.
In the meantime, community efforts are helping fill the void. Social worker Karma Kelvin and his group have distributed more than 40 oxygen concentrators through donations. In one case, they supported an elderly woman with breathing difficulties for over two years by providing a concentrator—offering a lifeline where the system could not.