Ministry of Health’s Annual Health Bulletin 2015 states that the emerging habits of smoking, drinking alcohol, physical inactivity as well as salty diet and poor nutrition are the major causes of the increasing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The most prevalent NCDs in Bhutan, among others, are diabetes, cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary …

The Maggi noodle samples that were sent for lead and monosodium glutamate content testing from Bhutan to India and Thailand have been found safe and acceptable. This was revealed by the Agriculture and Forests Minister during the 17th Meet-the-Press on July 3. On June 5, Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory …

The Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay, admitted that the question on whether to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) or not was one of outstanding issues that the government had to take and the cabinet would decide it upon the Foreign Ministry’s recommendation. Lyonchhen said that the Foreign Ministry was spearheading …

Some 22 lives have been saved by the medical emergency helicopter service since the current government took office in 2013, according to the Ministry of Health. During the monthly meet-the-press held on July 3rd, the Health Minister, Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk, thanked His Majesty the King for Kidu as the RBA …

Opposition party, Druk Phuensum Tshogpa, questioned the performance, efficiency, accountability and political affiliation of the Business Opportunity and Information Centre (BOiC) in a press meet held yesterday. Opposition Leader (OL), Dr Pema Gyamtsho said he heard that almost all Gups, during a recent Gups’ conference, said that they have not …

Deputy Chairperson of National Council (NC), Tshering Dorji, brought up an issue concerning the education policy, asking the Education Minister about a new initiative called the Education Blueprint that aims to revamp the quality of Bhutan’s education system through granting autonomy to schools as well as enhancing motivation of teachers …

The cabinet is reviewing the national wage rate for national workforce said the Minister of Labor and Human Resources, Ngeema Sangay Tshempo when quizzed by the Samtse NC Sangay Khandu on the need to increase the minimum wage, yesterday. Lyonpo said that the focus is not on increasing the minimum …

The Economic Affairs Committee (EAC) of the National Council said the lack of a proper legal framework and coordination among the concerned bodies has led to discrepancies on import and distribution of Petroleum Oil Lubricants (POL) products in the country. The committee presented such major issues while discussing the special …

The Economic Affairs Committee (EAC), National Council (NC), points out that a strong policy for the tourism sector is needed. Tourism sector is the country’s second highest revenue generator, contributes to hard currency reserves, and an employment generator.  At present, the tourism sector is driven by “High Value, Low Impact” …

The rules and guidelines of Tsamdo and Sokshing will be implemented in 10 dzongkhags in 2015-16 financial year, and in nine remaining dzongkhags in the next year, said Minister of Agriculture and Forests in the National Assembly on May 22. The Nganglam MP, Choida Jamtsho, questioned the government on the …