The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke are becoming one of the biggest health concerns in Bhutan, with health experts warning that unhealthy lifestyles, poor dietary habits, lack of physical activity, tobacco and alcohol use, stress, and obesity are contributing to the increasing number of cases across the country.
Unlike communicable diseases, NCDs do not spread from person to person, but they develop over time and can lead to serious complications, including heart attacks, kidney failure, disability, and stroke if left untreated.
To detect such conditions early and prevent severe complications, the Ministry of Health (MoH) recently conducted a large-scale NCD screening program across five priority areas: Chhukha, Phuentsholing Thromde, Samtse, Thimphu Thromde, and Tsirang.
Over a period of 18 days, a total of 64,600 people were screened.
According to the MoH, among those screened, 17,800 individuals came out screen positive, indicating that they either had raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose, obesity, or a combination of these conditions requiring further medical assessment and treatment.
The MoH said, “Among the 17,800 individuals who screened positive, 16,572 people, accounting for 93.1 percent, were found to have raised blood pressure. Another 605 individuals, or 3.4 percent, had raised blood glucose levels, while 623 people, representing 3.5 percent, had both raised blood pressure and raised blood glucose or were obese.”
Health officials say raised blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the leading risk factors for stroke and heart disease. When blood pressure remains high for a long period, it damages blood vessels and increases the chances of bleeding or blockage in the brain, which can result in a stroke. Similarly, uncontrolled blood glucose can damage organs, nerves, blood vessels, and the heart over time.
The MoH also shared that raised blood pressure was found to be more prevalent among individuals in the 25 to 39 years age range, while raised blood glucose was highest among those aged between 40 and 44 years. The findings indicate that NCDs are increasingly affecting younger populations, raising concerns over changing lifestyles and health habits.
According to health experts, several factors contribute to the development of NCDs. These include excessive salt and sugar intake, consumption of processed and fatty foods, smoking, harmful alcohol use, physical inactivity, stress, poor sleep, and obesity. Family history and genetics can also increase the risk.
The MoH emphasized that preventive measures are important in reducing the burden of NCDs. People are encouraged to undergo regular health checkups, maintain a balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits, reduce salt and sugar intake, engage in regular physical activity, avoid tobacco products, limit alcohol consumption, manage stress, and maintain a healthy body weight.
Early screening and treatment are also considered essential in preventing complications such as stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure.
The MoH further said, “All individuals who screened positive for blood pressure and blood glucose abnormalities were referred to the nearest health facility for diagnostic confirmation and timely initiation of treatment.”
Moreover, to ensure continuity of care, these referrals are cross-verified through the electronic Patient Information System (ePIS).
If an individual’s record does not appear in the ePIS database, the concerned health facility follows up directly with the individual to encourage them to visit the facility for further assessment and treatment.
“Additionally, following data cleaning and validation, individuals registered on the BhutanCare App receive SMS notifications reminding them to visit the nearest health facility for follow-up services. This digital intervention strengthens patient tracking and improves service uptake,” the ministry said.
However, the MoH shared that despite these efforts, ensuring compliance with follow-up visits remains a challenge, as some individuals do not report to health facilities after screening positive.
The ministry said that addressing this gap continues to remain a key priority for improving NCD care and reducing the long-term risks associated with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and stroke in Bhutan.
