An Integrated Approach to Primary Care in the Kingdom of Bhutan
Our first initiative is complete:
A study carried out in the Kingdom of Bhutan, beginning September 20, 2007 in which we examined the methods through which Bhutanese traditional medicine (“Sowa Rigpa”) and “Western” or allopathic medical interventions have been successfully integrated to provide culturally appropriate medical care to the population.
Other objectives:
Assessment of areas of need to which resources may be targeted:
The Bhutan Health Trust Fund
The Bhutan Health Trust has been established to protect basic health services, but as economic change looms, has yet to meet its baseline goal of 24 million dollars. As a model for sustainable, culturally appropriate provision of basic healthcare, the longevity of Bhutan’s primary health system is of interest to the world.
- Study of the sustainability of the current model of health provision: a proposal is on the table to examine treatment of diabetes, hypertension and peptic ulcer disease through the Traditional and Western systems.
- Collection of existing data from the Ministry of Health: 2006 data from the Ministry of Health was kindly provided by Dr. Dorji Wangchuk, Director General, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Bhutan. These data correspond with data collected at the village, clinic, and hospital level. Both Traditional and Western schools of medicine, which coexist in Thimpu, kindly opened their doors to assist in our project.
- Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice survey: Interviews were conduced with medical workers and community members, using a short questionnaire. The questions/survey is currently being reviewed and summarized.
- Integration of observations and data: Information is currently being compiled and will be published in a full report . Survey data will is being analyzed for validity and summarized.