Palliative Care Services in Bhutan: Current Progress and Future Needs

Abstract

Palliative care (PC) is a young concept in Bhutan. Since the establishment of home-based PC services at the national referral hospital of Bhutan for the residents of Thimphu City in 2018, many patients have benefitted. The need for PC in Bhutan is huge and urgent. The provision of quality PC is important to improve the quality of life of people facing life-limiting illnesses and end-of-life care, irrespective of their diagnosis. At present, efforts are being made to expand the services to the rest of the country by developing human resources. The plan is to train the existing manpower with the help of regional and international experts so that the PC services in Bhutan are sustainable.