In a historic move to address the growing mental health challenges in the country, Bhutan unveiled its first-ever National Mental Health Strategy 1.0 at the Third Annual PEMA Symposium yesterday. The strategy marks a transformative step toward building a more resilient, inclusive, and compassionate mental healthcare system.
Launched under the theme of strengthening national well-being, the strategy envisions a society where mental health is recognized, prioritized, and supported through a strong, integrated care network.
“There are four components to the national strategy,” explained Dasho Dechen Wangmo, Head of The PEMA Secretariat. “The first focuses on governance structure and leadership. The second addresses closing the gap in mental health services, treatment, and rehabilitation. The third emphasizes reintegrating individuals into society after rehabilitation, and the fourth involves generating evidence to support greater investment in mental health.”
Rising Burden of Mental Health Conditions
According to the strategy, Bhutan is witnessing a steady increase in mental health conditions, with anxiety and depression accounting for about 55% of all reported cases in 2023. Issues related to alcohol and substance misuse are also on the rise, underscoring the urgent need for a comprehensive and coordinated response.
The strategy calls for the development of a detailed action plan to guide its implementation. “We would ultimately like to have a costed action plan,” said Dasho Dechen Wangmo. “This will help us determine what level of investment is needed to close the mental health service gap and ensure that services reach everyone, everywhere in the country.”
Building Capacity Across the Nation
Currently, Bhutan’s mental health workforce includes eight national psychiatrists, 26 clinical counsellors, eight protection officers, and 11 mental health outreach workers. Additionally, over 150 school counsellors provide preventive support and guidance in secondary schools.
However, access to specialized mental health services remains limited, with most advanced care concentrated in Thimphu’s National Referral Hospital. The country continues to face a shortage of sub-specialized professionals, particularly outside urban areas.
A Global and Regional Concern
Health experts at the symposium emphasized that Bhutan’s situation mirrors global trends. More than one billion people worldwide live with a mental health condition, and over a quarter of them reside in South-East Asia, where Bhutan is located. Anxiety and depression remain the most common disorders globally, highlighting the pressing need for nations to scale up their mental health infrastructure.
A Step Toward a Healthier Future
The launch of the National Mental Health Strategy 1.0 reflects Bhutan’s growing commitment to addressing mental well-being as part of its broader development agenda. With its emphasis on leadership, inclusivity, and evidence-based investment, the strategy offers a roadmap to ensure that every Bhutanese has access to quality mental health care — no matter where they live.
