The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The recent nationwide screening for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) has revealed a troubling surge in cases of hypertension and diabetes in Bhutan.
Conducted by the Ministry of Health (MoH), the campaign screened over 320,000 (more than 75 percent) of the adult population and identified 12,000 new cases of NCDs on 9th April 2025.
MoH said screening was meant to detect common chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, and to assess levels of obesity and overweight among the population.
Out of the 12,000 newly diagnosed individuals, 73.2 percent (8,784) had conditions related to high blood pressure, 10.5 percent (1,260) were diagnosed with diabetes, and 16.3 percent (1,956) were living with both conditions.
Compared to the 5th National Health Survey (NHS), this represents a sharp and concerning increase. The prevalence of hypertension has increased from 30.1 percent in the NHS report to 73.2 percent.
Similarly, diabetes has risen from 5.8 percent in the NHS report to 10.5 percent (1,260 new individuals).
Nearly one in four of these newly diagnosed individuals are now living with multiple NCDs, reflecting a growing challenge for Bhutan’s public health system.
Bumthang recorded the highest rates, with 46 percent (5,520) diagnosed with hypertension and 26 percent (3,120 individuals) diagnosed with diabetes. Sarpang followed closely, with a combined prevalence of 38 percent (4,560 individuals) for both conditions.
Officials from MoH noted that men were more likely than women to suffer from these diseases, a trend likely influenced by higher rates of tobacco and alcohol consumption, poor dietary habits, and reduced physical activity among men.
Stress, environmental pollution, and a lack of routine health check-ups were also identified as contributing factors.
Hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of blood against artery walls remains consistently elevated. It is often symptomless and a “silent killer” that can result in serious complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure if left untreated.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how the body regulates blood sugar (glucose). Type 1 diabetes is typically genetic and develops early in life, while Type 2 is more common in adults is strongly linked to lifestyle factors such as obesity, inactivity, and high sugar intake.
Without proper management, diabetes can lead to vision impairment, nerve damage, cardiovascular disease, and even premature death.
In response to these alarming findings, MoH is taking immediate steps to strengthen early detection and long-term disease management under the 13th Five-Year Plan.
Central to this strategy is the implementation of the Multisectoral Action Plan (MSAP) for NCDs, which calls for collaboration across government sectors, including education, agriculture, and urban planning. Health officials are also working to expand public education campaigns about the risks associated with tobacco and alcohol use, and the importance of adopting healthy habits from a young age.
To detect early warning signs before conditions, escalate, MoH is promoting annual health screenings in workplaces and educational institutions. Recognizing the rise in early-onset cases, the ministry is designing targeted awareness programs for youth, particularly in schools and colleges.
These programs aim to build long-term habits around nutrition, exercise, and overall wellness. Improving mental well-being, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding harmful substances are being emphasized as key pillars of a healthier lifestyle.
Equally important is ensuring continuity of care. MoH is working to improve access to ongoing treatment and monitoring services at all levels of the health system. This includes making sure that individuals who are diagnosed receive the necessary follow-up care and are supported in managing their conditions over the long term.
Many individuals had been living with these conditions without knowing, which increases the risk of serious complications. The detection of 12,000 new cases calls for immediate and sustained intervention. These numbers now form the baseline for MoH to fight NCDs under the 13th Five-Year Plan.
