Bhutanese Health Care Reform: A Paradigm Shift in Health Care to Increase Gross National Happiness

In: Gross National Happiness: Practice and Measurement: Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Gross National Happiness. Thimphu, Centre for Bhutan Studies 2008, pp. 413-436 . ISBN 978-99936-14-52-4

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Abstract

Health care services in Bhutan have improved significantly in recent decades. Yet enormous challenges remain because of the lack of resources and increase in lifestyle- and stress-related disorders. Buddhist practices, including mindfulness meditation, will have an important role to play in mitigating the effects of modernization and material desires. The hitherto doctor-centered "medical model" of treatment will need to give way to a holistic, patientcentered bio-psychosocial approach to health care management. In addition, the private sector will need to play a major role to sustain quality health care service in the country.