A two-day stakeholder engagement meeting focused on enhancing patient safety and quality of care across Bhutan began today in Mongar Dzongkhag, coinciding with the global observance of World Patient Safety Day 2025.

The Honourable Dasho Dzongda graciously inaugurated the meeting, joined by executives from the WHO Country Office, the Department of Health Services, the Department of Clinical Services, Chief Medical Officers, Quality Assurance focal persons from various healthcare facilities, and representatives from relevant agencies.

Aligned with this year’s theme, “Safe care for every newborn and every child”,  the discussions will critically review initiatives, challenges, and measures in key areas, including Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Paediatrics, Pedodontics/Dental Services, Surgical Services, and Traditional Medicine Services, including local healer practices.

The Health Services Quality Assurance Division (HSQAD) will also present findings from the 2024 Bhutan Healthcare Quality Assurance Report (BHSQA). Furthermore, the Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Division will sensitize healthcare professionals to the new Health Services Rules and Regulations of 2025. This is to further improve service quality, as consistent monitoring and inspections for compliance will begin on March 15, 2026.

Organized by HSQAD of the Department of Health Services, MoH, in collaboration with the Department of Clinical Services, NMS, and with financial support from WHO, this meeting aims to identify key lapses in service delivery and chart a feasible, sustainable path forward to strengthen Bhutan’s healthcare system for all citizens.