Embassy of India

Press Release 

Indian Medical Value Travel delegation in Bhutan

                Indian Medical Value Travel (MVT) delegation, coordinated by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and comprising leading healthcare institutions, visited Bhutan on 19-20 August 2026. The delegation included representatives of leading healthcare institutions and medical service providers from India, including Yashoda Super Specialty Hospitals, Rajagiri Hospital, Neotia Getwel Hospital, Venkateshwar Hospital, Fortis Healthcare, Artemis Hospitals, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Down Town Hospital, and KareTrip.com.

2.            An interactive session on 19 August brought together senior officials and representatives from the Royal Government of Bhutan, healthcare institutions, the tourism and travel sector, and other stakeholders. Dasho Pemba Wangchuk, Secretary, Ministry of Health, RGoB; H.E. Mr. Sandeep Arya, Ambassador of India to Bhutan; and Dr. Pem Namgyal, President, JDWNRH and Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, attended the inaugural session.

3.            Ambassador Sandeep Arya highlighted India’s prominent standing globally in the healthcare sector, as reflected in over 6,00,000 international travelers visiting India for healthcare services. He mentioned the high-quality and cost-effective services and specific advantages for India-Bhutan healthcare ties, backed by close ties, visa-free travel, good connectivity, and longstanding experience. Dr. Pem Namgyal recalled that India-Bhutan healthcare ties date back to the late 1950s and have a strong foundation in terms of the development of healthcare infrastructure, medical education, training, experience sharing, and healthcare services in areas of mutual interest. Dr. Phub Tshering, Medical Director, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH), shared insights on Bhutan's healthcare and medical referral system and the opportunities for expanding cooperation with Indian healthcare institutions.

4.            During the business interaction, members of the delegation presented the range of specialized medical facilities and services offered by them. The participants engaged with Bhutanese stakeholders on opportunities for collaboration, including facilitating access to quality and affordable healthcare services for patients from Bhutan, as well as capacity and service support in Bhutan.

5.            During the visit, the delegation called on the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dasho Tshering Tobgay. They held fruitful interactions on expanding India-Bhutan healthcare ties with officials and medical practitioners at JDWNRH, Thimphu. They also had a productive interaction with the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) Authority in Thimphu.

6.            Healthcare is an important sector of India-Bhutan cooperation, encompassing capacity enhancement in Bhutan, institutional cooperation, exchange of experiences, medical education and training, and healthcare services. In the last year, the premier All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) have entered into cooperation arrangements. A few medical facilities are under construction in Bhutan with Government of India’s support under the 13th Five Year Plan, and various education and training programmes are underway. We would continue to work towards expanding and deepening bilateral collaboration in this key sector.

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Thimphu

20 August 2026