Empowering Bhutan Health & Education
Empowering Bhutan: Health & Education for a Brighter Future
Health in Bhutan
Bhutan stands out as one of the few nations in the world to provide free health care and education to its citizens. Before the 1950s, formal learning in Bhutan was primarily conducted through Buddhist monasteries. A major shift occurred during the country’s first development plan, when over 100 modern schools were established, laying the foundation for Bhutan’s current education system.
Health care has remained a top priority in Bhutan’s national development and modernization efforts. The country has embraced both modern medicine and traditional healing practices to serve its population. Bhutan’s journey toward modern health care began in 1961 with just two hospitals, two doctors, and two nurses—coinciding with its first Five-Year Development Plan. Today, Bhutan has a growing network of hospitals, including two regional referral hospitals in Mongar and Gelephu, and the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu as the nation’s primary medical center. Bhutan joined the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1982, seeking guidance to advance its medical infrastructure. Remarkably, the country provides free health care not only to its citizens but also to foreign residents and visitors.
Education in Bhutan
Modern, Western-style education was introduced during the reign of King Ugyen Wangchuck. Over time, the education system evolved with a structured curriculum, blending Bhutanese values with global standards. Schools in Bhutan—ranging from elementary to high school—often function as boarding institutions in rural areas. Subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Dzongkha are core to the curriculum, along with Social Studies, History, Geography, and Science.
English is the primary medium of instruction from middle school onward. The only college for higher education for many years was Sherubtse College in Kanglung, established in 1983, which offered three-year degree programs. Since then, Bhutan has expanded its higher education network while staying committed to quality and accessible learning for all.
