After dedicating 35 years to the Bhutanese health sector, retired health assistant Sanjeev Subba has found a new way to serve his community—through the soil. Swapping his stethoscope for a spade, Subba has established a farm aimed at promoting preventive healthcare, marrying his medical expertise with his passion for agriculture.
Seeds of Change
From his health unit, Subba distributes vegetable seeds, encourages kitchen gardening, and cultivates a vibrant variety of crops, including maize, cucumber, and bottle gourd. His vision is simple yet profound: to improve community health by encouraging the consumption of fresh, homegrown produce. Alongside selling his harvest, he donates fruits and vegetables to locals, ensuring that even those with limited means have access to nutritious food.
Beyond the Fields
Subba’s work stretches far beyond planting and harvesting. Determined to create a healthier environment in every sense, he has improved sanitation facilities in his area—constructing safe toilets, installing waste bins, and laying footpaths. His efforts have transformed the health unit into a cleaner, more welcoming place for patients and visitors alike.
Health in Every Harvest
The impact of his initiative is already visible. Significant sales and distributions from his farm have shown that community-based farming can be a practical, sustainable tool for promoting primary healthcare. For Subba, each basket of fresh vegetables is more than produce—it is a prescription for wellness.
Recognition and Resilience
Subba’s dedication has earned him praise and even a meritorious promotion during his career. Yet, when he requested an extension to continue his work at the health unit, the answer was no. Despite this setback, his commitment to preventive healthcare remains undiminished. For him, the farm is no retirement hobby—it is an ongoing mission to nurture both the land and the health of his community.
