Palliative Care Services in Bhutan: Current Progress and Future Needs
Namkha Dorji1, Yangden Yangden2, Kinley Bhuti2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Thimphu, Bhutan.
Insights
Palliative care (PC) services in Bhutan, initiated in 2018, have benefited many patients. Efforts are underway to expand these crucial end-of-life care services nationwide through training and expert collaboration for sustainability.
Area of Science:
- Medical Sciences
- Public Health
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Palliative care (PC) is an emerging field in Bhutan.
- Home-based PC services were established in Thimphu in 2018, demonstrating positive patient impact.
- There is a significant and urgent need for palliative care across Bhutan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of quality palliative care for improving life quality in Bhutan.
- To outline current strategies for expanding palliative care services nationwide.
- To emphasize the necessity of sustainable palliative care development.
Main Methods:
- The study focuses on the development and expansion of palliative care services.
- It involves assessing the current status and future needs of PC in Bhutan.
- Strategies include human resource development and training initiatives.
Main Results:
- Home-based PC services initiated in 2018 have shown benefits for patients in Thimphu.
- The demand for palliative care in Bhutan is substantial.
- Current efforts focus on workforce development to meet this demand.
Conclusions:
- Expanding palliative care is crucial for enhancing the quality of life for individuals with life-limiting illnesses in Bhutan.
- Sustainable PC services require investment in human resources and training.
- Collaboration with regional and international experts is planned to bolster Bhutan's palliative care capacity.
Abstract:
Palliative care (PC) is a young concept in Bhutan. Since the establishment of home-based PC services at the national referral hospital of Bhutan for the residents of Thimphu City in 2018, many patients have benefitted. The need for PC in Bhutan is huge and urgent. The provision of quality PC is important to improve the quality of life of people facing life-limiting illnesses and end-of-life care, irrespective of their diagnosis. At present, efforts are being made to expand the services to the rest of the country by developing human resources. The plan is to train the existing manpower with the help of regional and international experts so that the PC services in Bhutan are sustainable.
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