The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has issued a firm warning to individuals and entities operating unauthorized private healthcare facilities in Bhutan.
In a notification issued, MoH reminded the public that under Section 47 of the Healthcare Services Rules and Regulations (HSRR) 2025, no healthcare services may be provided without technical authorization from the MoH.
“No individual or entity shall operate any healthcare center or premises without obtaining technical authorisation from the MoH,” the statement reads. “Those currently operating unlicensed and unauthorized healthcare centers must cease operations immediately. Failure to comply will result in regulatory action, including prosecution.”
The ministry emphasized that public safety is at the core of this regulatory stance and urged citizens to seek healthcare services only from licensed and approved facilities.
Speaking to this paper, an official from the MoH revealed that the ministry has become aware of potential unauthorized healthcare centers operating in the country.
“The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment (MoICE) has not issued any license to private healthcare centers as of now,” the official said. “But we have been informed, in a way, through rumor, that such centers might be operating without proper licensing.”
Moreover, if such operations exist, they are in clear violation of national regulations.
The ministry official stated that the new regulations under (HSSR) are directly tied to the ongoing issue of unauthorized private healthcare providers.
“We are notifying the general public and giving a year, especially to private hospitals operating without a license, to shut down immediately or come into compliance with the new regulations,” the MoH official said.
Research studies from various countries present the serious risks associated with unlicensed healthcare providers, such as the unlicensed general practitioners often engaging in irrational prescribing, including the misuse of antibiotics, which contributes to antimicrobial resistance and poses significant health risks to patients.
MoH urges the public to remain vigilant and refrain from seeking services at unauthorized private healthcare centers. Public are encouraged to report any such centers directly to the MoH.
