DAWA ZANGMO
Thimphu
The Bhutan Health Trust Fund (BHTF) marked its 25th anniversary with a grand public event at Clock Tower, Thimphu on August 3rd, 2025, commemorating a quarter century of committed service to free and equitable healthcare for every Bhutanese citizen.
The Silver Jubilee celebration attended by Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay along with Minister of health Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk, healthcare professionals, civil society representatives, and members of the public featured a marathon symbolizing the BHTF’s enduring commitment to health for all.
The event underscored the BHTF’s critical role in transforming the country’s healthcare landscape over the last two and a half decades.
Since its establishment in 2000, the Fund has played a foundational role in ensuring uninterrupted access to essential medicines and vaccines, reducing Bhutan’s reliance on foreign aid while reinforcing the nation’s core developmental philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH).
PM lauded the BHTF for its resolute contribution to Bhutan’s health security. He highlighted the Fund’s efforts in sustaining the uninterrupted supply of life saving drugs, particularly during times of financial pressure and public health crises.
“Through the BHTF, we have not only sustained access to essential medicines but also enhanced public confidence in the nation’s health system,” said Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk at the ceremony, adding that the Fund has contributed significantly to reducing maternal and child mortality, increasing immunization coverage, and strengthening primary healthcare across the country.
Over the years, the BHTF has become a cornerstone of Bhutan’s public health strategy, ensuring free access to primary healthcare and essential medicines for all citizens.
Its consistent support has helped Bhutan achieve key health-related targets, while simultaneously strengthening its resilience to future healthcare challenges.
The journey, however, has not been without obstacles. While the BHTF has been successful in providing uninterrupted financing for essential drugs and vaccines, sustaining that financing model has been increasingly difficult.
Tshering Choden, Program Officer at BHTF, highlighted some of the most pressing challenges the Fund has faced.
“While the Fund has ensured uninterrupted financing for essential drugs and vaccines, we continue to face serious challenges in sustaining healthcare financing, especially during global health crises and economic downturns,” she said.
“The rising global cost of medical supplies, limited domestic investment opportunities, declining donor interest, and low public awareness about our role all threaten long-term sustainability. Fundraising is particularly difficult when people’s incomes are low or unstable.”
These concerns were particularly visible during the COVID-19 pandemic, which put immense strain on global medical supply chains and financial systems.
Despite these constraints, the BHTF managed to maintain its essential services, ensuring the continued delivery of vaccines and critical medicines. The pandemic reinforced the importance of having a resilient, autonomous health financing mechanism like the BHTF.
Despite financial and operational hurdles, the BHTF has made significant strides in supporting Bhutan’s healthcare system. Over the last 25 years, the Fund has disbursed a total of Nu. 3.7 billion to ensure uninterrupted access to essential medicines and vaccines contributing substantially to Bhutan’s progress toward achieving Universal Health Coverage.
“One of our proudest achievements is ensuring uninterrupted access to essential drugs and vaccines, which are critical to delivering free primary healthcare across Bhutan,” added Tshering Choden.
She further cited specific examples of public health achievements made possible through the Fund’s support.
“In 2006, we helped achieve 98% coverage in the nationwide Measles and Rubella campaign and 90% coverage for Hepatitis B. In 2017, we co-financed the HPV vaccine with the Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation, reaching 97.4% of eligible girls.
“We’ve also introduced vital vaccines like the Pentavalent and PCV13, which now have over 97% coverage and have significantly reduced child mortality from preventable diseases.”
Currently, the BHTF supports 430 essential drugs and four vaccines. The Fund disburses approximately Nu. 557.73 million annually to uphold the national commitment to free primary healthcare.
Looking ahead, the BHTF is determined to maintain and expand its support for the nation’s health system. Tshering Choden outlined the Fund’s strategic goals, which include broadening the investment base, strengthening public engagement, and implementing new technologies to enhance transparency.
“We have developed a Three-Year Strategic Plan focusing on fund mobilization, human resource development, diversified investments, and advocacy,” she explained.
“Strengthening our investment base both domestically and internationally will be key. We are also prioritizing public awareness and exploring innovative financing mechanisms to ensure the Fund’s growth and adaptability to evolving public health needs.”
Officials also emphasized the importance of digital tools to improve monitoring, fund usage, and accountability. Technology will be a key driver in future operations improving data accuracy, efficiency, and public trust in the Fund’s management.
Moreover, BHTF is looking to harness public-private partnerships as a means to attract new financing sources and reduce reliance on a limited donor pool. Strategic engagement with stakeholders will be critical in ensuring the Fund’s adaptability in the face of global health threats and economic shifts.
The presence and participation of the Prime Minister underscored the high-level political commitment to sustaining and strengthening the BHTF as an essential pillar of Bhutan’s development trajectory.
As the BHTF turns 25, it enters a new phase of introspection and innovation. The anniversary serves not only as a celebration of the past but also as a catalyst for future ambition.
The Fund’s leadership remains focused on building long-term sustainability and increasing public participation in health financing.
“As we enter a new chapter, our focus is on innovation in health financing, digital transparency, and securing long-term sustainability of the Fund. The commitment to providing free basic health services remains as strong as ever,” affirmed a senior BHTF representative.
The 25th anniversary of the Bhutan Health Trust Fund marks a pivotal moment in Bhutan’s health journey. It is a testament to what visionary leadership, public trust, and strong governance can achieve.
As Bhutan continues to navigate the complexities of global health challenges, the BHTF stands firm in its mission reaffirming that access to healthcare is not a privilege, but a fundamental right for all Bhutanese.
With a renewed strategic focus and public backing, the BHTF is poised to continue its legacy of health equity and resilience for the next 25 years and beyond.
