In early March 2026, Bhutan hosted a significant workshop in Paro to finalize its National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS). This event gathered officials from various government ministries, development partners, and civil society. Together, they set a course for improving the country’s health security.
One key focus was enhancing Bhutan’s ability to respond to health emergencies. This plan aims to boost core capacities in health emergency preparedness and response, ensuring resilience against potential risks. The workshop resulted in both medium-term and short-term plans, showing a collective commitment to health security.
The process was guided by insights from a 2025 assessment known as the Joint External Evaluation (JEE), which highlighted Bhutan’s strengths in areas like emergency coordination and surveillance, while also identifying gaps in workforce and data management. These findings played a crucial role in shaping the strategic objectives of the NAPHS.
Dr. Bhupinder Kaur, WHO’s representative in Bhutan, emphasized the significance of aligning national efforts with global health frameworks. She acknowledged the collaborative spirit among stakeholders in drafting the plan earlier in February 2026.
Karma Jamtsho, Director of the Department of Public Health, stressed the importance of training and building a skilled workforce. Identified priority activities include leveraging the Pandemic Fund and engaging with donors for sustainable resources.
Over the workshop’s three days, participants worked together to finalize both strategic objectives and operational activities. Dr. Reuben Samuel from WHO noted that health security is an ongoing effort, and the NAPHS reflects Bhutan’s dedication to strengthening its health systems.
The initiative has brought together more than 50 representatives from various sectors, including health, academia, and disaster management. This collaborative approach aimed to create a unified health security framework that integrates human, animal, environmental, and financial aspects.
Key outcomes from the workshop included:
– A multi-year planning strategy.
– A five-year action plan and prioritized 24-month operational plan.
– Improved readiness for health emergencies and other crises.
Looking ahead, technical working groups will finalize priority actions and resource needs. Once the plan is validated, implementation will begin, focusing on coordination and effective monitoring.
In a world still grappling with the aftermath of global health crises, Bhutan’s proactive steps reflect a commitment to safeguarding public health. This NAPHS serves as a roadmap for resilience, showing how collaboration and preparedness can build better health systems for the future.
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