The Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization, today opened the three-day National Primary Healthcare Forum 2026 at the Professional Development Center, Tsirang. Graced by the Hon’ble Health Minister, Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk, as Chief Guest, the Forum brings together District Health Officers, District Public Health Officers and Chief Medical Officers from across the 20 Dzongkhags, along with heads and representatives of allied health agencies, academia, local government and development partners.

Delivering the keynote address, the Hon’ble Minister said that the next generation of Bhutan’s primary healthcare must be built around five shifts: from treatment to prevention; from facilities to lasting relationships with families and communities; strong primary care that reduces unnecessary reliance on hospitals; technology that overcomes geographical barriers; and a whole-of-society approach through Health in All Policies.

“The question is no longer how to provide more healthcare, but how to create better health-closer to where people live,” Lyonpo said. “No Bhutanese should be denied essential health care because of where they live or what they can afford. That is the promise Universal Health Coverage – and its foundation is Primary Health.”