Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his two day trip to Bhutan has inaugurated a Modern Hospital in Thimphu on Saturday, March 23. The Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuk Mother and Child Hospital, which is financed by the Indian government, seeks to provide excellent healthcare services, mainly to mothers and children. It represents the strong development collaboration between India and Bhutan.
The hospital jointly opened by Prime Ministers of both the countries demonstrates both nations’ commitment to nurturing a healthier future generation.
PM Modi shared the news on his ‘X’ handle and called it a Quality healthcare providing beacon of hope for several families in Bhutan.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, “The 150-bed hospital’s development was carried out in two phases. The first was completed in 2019 at a cost of Rs 22 crore and has been operational since then. While the second had a budget of Rs 119 crore under the 12th Five Year Plan, initiated in 2019 after the first phase.”
The Ministry also emphasised that this modern facility will significantly elevate the quality of maternal and child healthcare services in Bhutan, equipped with advanced amenities in Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Anesthesiology, Operation Theatre, Neonatal Intensive Care, and Pediatric Intensive Care.
The External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal called the step a boost to the partnership between both nations. He wrote on twitter, “The state-of-the-art hospital is a shining example of India-Bhutan development cooperation.”
Tandin Wangchuk, Bhutan’s Health Minister, expressed gratitude to India for its ongoing support in the health sector.
He also hinted at plans for a cancer hospital on the same campus, which would strengthen Bhutan’s tertiary healthcare facilities and reduce the need for patients to travel to India for treatment.
During his two-day state visit to Bhutan, Modi met with Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and held discussions with Prime Minister Tobgay to reinforce India’s special bond with the neighbouring country. As part of India’s commitment to Bhutan, Modi announced a financial aid package of Rs 10,000 crore for the next five years.
In a historic gesture, King Wangchuck presented the ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’ to Prime Minister Modi during a public event, marking the first foreign Head of Government to receive this prestigious award. This accolade was given to him on Friday acknowledging his efforts to develop India-Bhutan relations, as well as his leadership focus on public welfare.
India and Bhutan have long-standing diplomatic relations, established in the year 1968. The Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, signed in 1949 and updated in February 2007, serves as the foundation for this partnership, reinforcing the nations’ long-standing ties.
