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
