Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Nursing and Public Health

In 1974, amidst the bustling activity of Thimphu General Hospital, a small seed was planted. This seed, the Health School, would blossom into the esteemed Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Nursing and Public Health. Initially, its mission was straightforward: train Health Assistants and Basic Health Workers. These individuals were the frontline healthcare providers in Bhutan. In 1975, the school expanded its reach by introducing the Auxiliary Nurse Midwife program. These professionals, along with others, formed the Primary Health Care teams. They staffed the newly established Basic Health Units across the country. The school also provided crucial in-service training for compounders and vaccinators. The Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Nursing and Public Health continued to evolve. In 1978, the training of Assistant Nurses, previously under the matron of Thimphu General Hospital, was integrated into the school’s curriculum. A significant leap forward occurred in 1982 with the introduction of a diploma-level General Nurse Midwife program, followed by certificate courses for medical technicians. The school’s growth necessitated a new building at its current location. Upon its completion in 1989, the institution was renamed the Royal Institute of Health Science. The journey of Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Nursing and Public Health continued. In 2003, it became a constituent college of the Royal University of Bhutan. It was renamed the Faculty of Nursing and Public Health in 2013 under the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan. Today, the Faculty of Nursing and Public Health stands as a testament to Bhutan’s dedication to healthcare education. It offers a wide range of programs, from diplomas to bachelor’s degrees in nursing, public health, and allied health sciences. It has grown from a small room with nine students to an institution with nearly 600 students enrolled across 17 courses. The Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Nursing and Public Health continues to play a critical role in shaping Bhutan’s healthcare landscape. Its graduates are essential to providing healthcare services throughout the nation, from major hospitals to primary health centers.