Coinciding with 12th Royal Wedding Anniversary, the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan launched MBBS programme on October 13, 2023, at the Semtokha Dzong, Thimphu

Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences introduces MBBS program

In a significant development for Bhutan’s medical education landscape, the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences (KGUMS) has embarked on a historic journey to launch its MBBS program. The initiative received the green light signal from the Lhengye Zhungtshog on 11 January 2021 with the goal of commencing the program by 2023.

KGUMS aims to be a premier institution for quality medical education, not only in Bhutan, but also in the region.

To ensure a smooth implementation of all preparatory activities, various management teams have been formed, marking a monumental milestone in Bhutan’s expedition for excellence in medical education.

The curriculum consists of the 5 years of study and 1-year internship program. The first two years of curriculum will be on early clinical exposure, the next two years in the clinical rotations integrated clinical teachers, and the final year with the professorial rotations and followed by the one-year internship.

President of KGUMS, Dr Kinzang P. Tshering, expressed his excitement about the inception of the MBBS program, which has been in the making since 2009. He emphasized the significance of this milestone and the long-term benefits it would bring, despite the short-term sacrifices made. He also extended his gratitude to the students and assured them, “To be effective locally and globally.”

Dr Guru Prasad Dhakal, Dean of Faculty of Postgraduate Medicine said, “The journey was difficult, yet exciting.” Regarding the concerns of faculties, he assured that specialists at JDWNRH would also contribute their expertise to teaching after their consultation hours.

The introduction of the MBBS program in Bhutan prompts questions about whether students will still be sent abroad for MBBS programs. In response, Prime Minister Dasho Dr Lotay Tshering stated that while Bhutan introduces its own MBBS program, the nation will continue to send students abroad for the program, and also enhancing the program from our own institutions.

Health Minister, Dasho Dechen Wangmo underscored the significance of the MBBS program in achieving health security for the nation. Health Minister said, “I think the introduction of MBBS program in our country means achieving the health security of the country.” Health Minister shared that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the critical need for medical professionals, and investing in institutions and programs like MBBS is a crucial enabler for achieving health security.

Karma Choden Dorji, a first cohort of MBBS program in country, expressed her contentment about studying medicine in her home country, within her own cultural context. She voiced her excitement as a first batch student and acknowledged everyone who made the program’s launch possible.

One of the first cohort students shared, “I feel we will be more comfortable here as we will not be facing the language barrier as those who pursue outside faces majorly.” She also expressed a mix of excitement and stress, acknowledging the responsibility that comes with being part of the pioneering batch.

Karma Yegyel is another student pursuing the first MBBS program in Bhutan. He shared about the cultural shock that one often gets upon landing in other countries. “We will not be facing any of the cultural shock, which most of the seniors have shared about having the need to cope up with a diverse culture outside.” He also acknowledged about not facing the language barrier while undertaking the clinical studies.

“We will be around the morale support of our family in our own country,” said Phurba Dorji. He shared that the course, itself, is a tough one, but the morale support of one’s own family would be added advantage than to study abroad. He also shared his excitement and the mixed emotions of being part of the first batch of the program.

In terms of faculty resources, recruitment will bring in faculty members for various specialties, with plans to fill these required positions between October and December 2023.

There will be 25 students studying the first cohort of MBBS in country and the academic session to begin from January 2024 and tentative orientation and premedical classes to begin between November and December 2023. The selected first cohort includes 25 students with 8 boys and 17 girls.

The preclinical and para-clinical block is located in Taba, above DeSuung skilling campus. However, the future plan to make the permanent campus at WangchuTaba Campus which is projected in 13 FYP.

The launch of the MBBS program represents a significant step toward strengthening the nation’s healthcare infrastructure and ensuring health security for its people

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