The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Member of Parliament (MP) Kengkhar-Weringla, Dorji Wangmo, raised a concern in Parliament about the country’s declining fertility rate.
She noted that even couples who are ready and willing to have children are increasingly unable to conceive, and they often have no choice but to seek fertility treatment abroad which comes at a high financial cost.
MP Dorji Wangmo stated that she had come across news about the possibility of introducing In- Vitro Fertilization (IVF) services in the country. Although she has not yet seen it implemented, she believes such a move could support efforts to increase the country’s population.
This is particularly relevant, given Bhutan’s declining fertility rate, which as of recent estimates, stands at around 1.8 children per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1. This trend raises concerns about long-term population sustainability and the future demographic structure of the country.
MP Dorji Wangmo asked the Minister of Health whether IVF services could be made available in Bhutan to support these couples.
In response, the Health Minister, Tandin Wangchuk, said that while JDWNRH currently provides Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) services, it does not offer IVF. The Minister acknowledged that IUl has limited effectiveness for many cases, and cited budget constraints as the main reason IVF services have not yet been introduced.
He said, “Our ministry has not received any sponsorship so far. We have approached the World Health Organization (WHO), but due to their constraints, we may need to seek support from the government.”
In addition, the Health Minister announced that the Nu 10,000 incentive initiative for a third-born child will soon be implemented as part of broader efforts to address declining birth rates and encourage larger families.
Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk also informed the House that Bhutan has already sent expert health professionals to fertility clinics in Thailand for training, and that preparations are underway to address the growing demand for fertility treatment in the country.
