KINLEY KHANDU CHODEN | Thimphu
Although cancer treatment is provided free of charge in Bhutan, many patients continue to face financial, logistical and emotional challenges that extend far beyond hospital care.
Expenses related to transportation, accommodation, food and long-term treatment often become significant obstacles, particularly for patients travelling from rural communities.
Established in 2015, the Bhutan Cancer Society (BCS) has been working alongside healthcare institutions, volunteers and communities to bridge these gaps through its Care and Support Programme, ensuring patients receive assistance throughout their cancer journey, from diagnosis and treatment to recovery and palliative care.
While the government covers medical consultations, investigations and treatment, BCS says out-of-pocket expenses have forced some patients to discontinue life-saving treatment. To address these challenges, the BCS has organised its support into six key interventions: patient navigation, transportation support, logistics and essential assistance, assistive devices, nutritional support, and assistance for patients referred to India for specialised treatment.
Patient navigation serves as the first point of support, helping individuals understand referral procedures, treatment processes and available hospital services. BCS staff also assist with administrative formalities and coordinate appointments with specialists every Thursday and Friday.
To improve access for patients living outside Thimphu, BCS has introduced a social media platform where patients and caregivers can submit medical reports for doctors to review. The initiative reduces unnecessary travel and waiting time by allowing specialists to provide feedback remotely. The platform currently serves more than 200 patients and caregivers.
For many patients, however, the greatest burden begins after arriving in Thimphu. Those undergoing chemotherapy often require treatment over several months, while patients referred abroad for radiotherapy or specialised care may need to stay away from home for much longer. Affordable accommodation near treatment centres remains one of the biggest challenges, especially for patients from low-income families who have no relatives in the capital.
To ease these hardships, BCS provides transportation support for patients and caregivers travelling from distant dzongkhags, along with modest assistance for food and accommodation during treatment.
The BCS also provides Nu. 3,000 per month to patients from low-income households undergoing active treatment. Beneficiaries are identified through need assessments and referrals from oncology and palliative care units. BCS emphasised that the assistance is based on financial need and is not an entitlement.
Patients with advanced-stage cancer receive additional support through assistive devices such as portable oxygen concentrators, anti-bedsore mattresses, adult diapers and bedside toilets. Nutritional supplements are also provided through the oncology ward and palliative care team to patients with weakened immunity to support recovery and improve overall well-being.
For patients referred to India for specialised treatment, BCS complements government assistance by providing a one-time grant of Nu. 10,000, along with cooking utensils and other household essentials. Although the government covers treatment, airfare and basic stipends, the BCS says many patients continue to face additional expenses, language barriers and cultural challenges while receiving treatment abroad.
Beyond patient support, BCS places strong emphasis on cancer prevention and early detection through its advocacy and awareness programme. The BCS conducts awareness campaigns throughout the year, dedicating different months to specific types of cancer. Programmes are organised in schools, monastic institutions, rural communities, corporate offices and the armed forces, with priority given to vulnerable populations identified through the Population-Based Cancer Registry.
BCS also works closely with mainstream media and actively uses its digital platforms to share educational information and cancer survivor stories, encouraging the public to adopt healthier lifestyles, seek timely screening and support people living with cancer. Clinical information presented during these programmes is delivered by qualified healthcare professionals to ensure accuracy and reliability.
According to BCS, public perception of cancer has improved in recent years as more survivors openly share their experiences. However, misconceptions remain. The BCS continues to address common myths, including the belief that cancer is contagious, that it is always a death sentence, or that only older people develop the disease.
BCS has also established Phamai Doonghing, a parents’ support group for child and adolescent cancer patients, with support from Save the Children Bhutan. Formed in 2024, the initiative provides peer counselling, psychosocial support, emotional care and financial assistance to families of children diagnosed with cancer.
Currently, the BCS spends an average of Nu. 250,000 each month supporting 33 patients through its Care and Support Programme. The programme is sustained largely through public generosity, with 73 percent of funding coming from members’ monthly contributions and the remaining 27 percent from public donations.
As Bhutan continues to strengthen its cancer care system, BCS says addressing the non-medical challenges faced by patients is just as important as providing medical treatment. By easing financial burdens, improving access to essential services and promoting early detection, the Society hopes more patients will be able to complete treatment and face their cancer journey with greater dignity and support.
