The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The YT Nursing Academy in Chhumey, Bumthang, has opened as Bhutan’s fourth private nursing institute, offering new opportunities for students from the central and eastern regions.
The institute will commence operations with an initial intake of 50 students this year, offering a three-year diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) to Class XII graduates from all streams.
Promoter Tharchen Mangdip, a former Member of Parliament with a Master’s in Educational Administration and Management, said the academy was inspired by the growing global demand for nurses. “Ageing communities both within Bhutan and abroad are creating an increasing demand for nursing professionals. This encouraged me to establish the academy to prepare our youth for these opportunities,” he said.
He added that the academy aims to nurture competent professionals who can contribute meaningfully to Bhutan’s healthcare system while also exploring opportunities overseas, ensuring a balance between national service and global exposure.
The Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) facilitated a feasibility study and issued policy clearance for the college. The Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan (KGUMSB) and the Medical and Health Professionals Council (MHPC) guided the affiliation process and provided technical approval.
He said that the local communities also contributed additional land to meet the minimum 15-acre requirement for the campus, showing strong local support for the initiative and a shared vision for advancing healthcare education in the region.
The academy will be led by Dr Pandup Tshering, former Health Secretary, who brings over 40 years of experience in healthcare and medical education. The faculty consists of 14 members: seven full-time and seven adjuncts, including four expatriates from India.
Students will have full boarding facilities and support services, while clinical training will be conducted in Bhutanese hospitals and at Assam Down Town Hospital in India to provide broader exposure and hands-on experience.
Admissions will follow the standard procedures of KGUMSB, ensuring that the selection process remains transparent, fair, and merit-based. The academy is designed to encourage a learning environment that balances theory with extensive clinical practice, equipping students with the skills needed for the dynamic and evolving healthcare sector.
Bhutan continues to face significant nursing shortages, where the recent data shows 671 nurses in place against an approved strength of 871, leaving 210 positions unfilled. Nurse attrition remains high, with many seeking better salaries, benefits, and career opportunities abroad.
Between 2019 and 2022, 374 nurses resigned, with 323 moving to countries such as Australia. This shortage poses challenges for both public and private healthcare providers in maintaining quality patient care.
YT Nursing Academy aims to address these challenges by producing well-trained, competent nurses ready to serve both domestically and internationally. Its emphasis on clinical exposure and partnerships with hospitals ensures students gain practical experience, preparing them for the global healthcare environment.
