Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in Bhutan, placing a significant burden on the country’s healthcare system. Health screenings conducted nationwide by the Bhutan Stroke Foundation (BSF) have revealed alarming statistics: nearly 80 per cent of those screened are at high risk of stroke. Among the most vulnerable groups are monks and nuns, whose sedentary lifestyles—marked by long hours of study, prayer, and meditation—increase susceptibility to non-communicable diseases.
The National Referral Hospital in Thimphu treats two to three stroke patients every day. In 2023 alone, the health ministry recorded 528 stroke cases, resulting in 74 deaths. Health experts identify high blood pressure as the leading cause, with other major risk factors including diabetes, high cholesterol, tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, obesity, and heart disease.
Monastic communities face unique challenges. Prolonged sitting and limited physical activity compound these risks. Moreover, many monastic institutions are located in remote areas with limited access to healthcare services.
A Targeted Four-Year Project for Prevention
To combat this growing threat, the Bhutan Stroke Foundation has launched a comprehensive four-year project titled “Empowering Monastic Communities in Bhutan through Stroke Prevention by Enhancing Awareness and Early Detection.” The initiative will cover 260 monastic institutions across the country, delivering:
- Stroke awareness programmes
- Health screenings and risk assessments
- Early detection services
The project aims to generate valuable data on stroke risks within monastic communities, which will be shared with the Ministry of Health to inform broader preventive strategies.
Neurosurgeon Dr Tashi Tenzin emphasized the importance of reaching remote areas: “Most monastic institutions are located far from hospitals and have limited access to healthcare services. Through this project, we will be able to provide services while also generating valuable data and research.”
Rinchen Khandu, Executive Director of the Bhutan Stroke Foundation, added: “The project will focus on monks and nuns. We will provide awareness on stroke, conduct basic health screenings and risk assessments, and collect data on stroke risk within this group. The findings will be shared with the Ministry of Health to support future interventions and preventive measures.”
Health officials note that more than 90 per cent of strokes can be prevented through regular health screenings, healthy diets, and physical activity. Dr Tashi Tenzin stressed the economic and human benefits of prevention: “Prevention is far less costly than treatment. That is why we must focus on raising awareness, encouraging healthy eating habits, and promoting regular exercise.”
The Indian Support
This vital initiative is made possible through strong bilateral cooperation with India. The project is implemented with funding support from the Government of India under the Project Tied Assistance (GoI-PTA) grant. The Embassy of India in Thimphu has actively backed the Bhutan Stroke Foundation’s efforts to empower monastic communities.
This partnership reflects the deep and enduring India-Bhutan friendship, particularly in the health sector. India has long been a key partner in Bhutan’s healthcare development, including support for stroke care improvements through institutions like the Christian Medical College in Ludhiana. Such collaboration helps extend life-saving preventive services to even the most remote and culturally significant communities in Bhutan.
The Path Forward: Prevention as the Best Defence
The Bhutan Stroke Foundation underscores that prevention remains the most effective defence against a disease that claims lives and leaves many with lifelong disabilities. By focusing on awareness, early detection, and lifestyle changes—especially in high-risk monastic communities—this project offers hope for reducing the stroke burden across Bhutan.
As the initiative rolls out over the next four years, it promises not only to safeguard the health of monks and nuns but also to contribute valuable insights for national health policy. With continued India-Bhutan partnership and community engagement, Bhutan is taking proactive steps toward a healthier, stroke-resilient future.
