The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Education Transformation Program is aimed at revolutionizing the educational landscape by aligning curricula with global standards and the Healthy Drukyul Program is aimed at elevating the healthcare delivery.
The Education Transformation Program, allocated Nu 30 billion, seeks to enhance the quality of education and skills training for over 70,000 youths projected to enter the labour market during the plan period.
The Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) will lead efforts to transform the Bhutanese education system across early childhood care and development (ECCD), school education, and non-formal education.
Key strategies include revamping curricula to align with global best practices, promoting critical thinking and digital literacy, and emphasizing creativity, emotional intelligence, and research.
Tertiary institutions will enhance their contributions to policy making and knowledge creation, while the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) curriculum will be updated to meet industry demands.
Additionally, non-formal education will focus on imparting essential skills beyond basic literacy, integrating technology-driven learning environments.
The private sector will also be encouraged to participate in education, increasing access and service quality.
Essential health and well-being services, such as sanitation, hygiene, scouting, sports, and nutritional programs, will be improved, with collaboration between MoESD, the Bhutan Olympic Committee, and MoH.
Healthy Drukyul Program, with a budget of Nu 20 billion, led by the Ministry of Health (MoH), focuses on three key strategies: Improving health governance and healthcare delivery services, Investing in preventive and promotive healthcare, and Rationalizing health facilities.
The clinical services are to be upgraded, along with expanding essential health services and developing a competent health workforce through professional development, and creating supportive work environments.
There is a significant emphasis on timely access to medical supplies and the upkeep of medical equipment, ensuring a streamlined referral system and innovative, high-quality healthcare. To alleviate the burden on the healthcare system, preventive measures such as immunizations, health screenings, and promoting healthy lifestyles will be prioritized.
Healthy Drukgyul Program plans strategic expansions, and the report states, “This strategic consolidation and expansion of healthcare infrastructure will include the construction of the Thimphu District Hospital, a National Cancer and Transplant Centre at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu, and a Mother and Child Hospital in Mongar.”
The program also envisions a society actively engaged in physical exercise, proper nutrition, and mental health awareness.
