On 11 October 2025, Bhutan marked a remarkable milestone in its palliative care journey with the Inaugural Palliative Care Symposium, held in celebration of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (WHPCD) at the Namgay Heritage Hotel in Thimphu.
Graced by Her Royal Highness Princess Kesang Choden T., Hon’ble Dasho Pemba Wangchuk, Secretary of the Ministry of Health, and representatives from the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan (KGUMSB) and Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH), the event brought together clinicians, educators, and partners to reflect on Bhutan’s progress in integrating palliative care into its national health system.
A Journey of Growth and Partnership
Since the Lien Collaborative for Palliative Care was launched in Bhutan in 2018, the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN), with support from the Lien Foundation and regional faculty, has had the privilege to accompany Bhutan on this transformative journey.
What began seven years ago as a small pilot programme at JDWNRH has blossomed into a nationwide movement. Today, palliative care services are available in more than 10 districts, with a dedicated home care team operating in Thimphu — providing comfort, dignity, and compassion to patients and families in their own homes.
A shining example of this progress is Dr. Kinley Bhuti, Bhutan’s first formally trained palliative care specialist, who completed her specialist training at National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) through an APHN sponsorship. Upon returning home, Dr. Bhuti has led Bhutan’s palliative care development with extraordinary dedication, building a national framework, mentoring local teams, and ensuring that compassionate care becomes a core part of Bhutan’s healthcare system.
Today, Dr. Bhuti continues to receive valuable guidance through consultancy with our APHN-Bhutan Lead, Dr. Shirlynn Ho, and mentorship from Dr. Jamie Zhou, Sr. Nandar Swe, and many dedicated APHN faculty members.
A heartfelt thank you to all our compassionate APHN mentors and trainers who tirelessly give their time and expertise to advance palliative care across Asia. Your commitment truly makes a difference in transforming lives and strengthening our collective care landscape.
Training, Mentorship and Capacity Building
The week leading up to the WHPCD Symposium also saw the successful completion of Module 5 of 7 under the Lien Collaborative’s Train-the-Trainers Programme in Bhutan. Led by a multidisciplinary faculty from Singapore, India and Japan, the programme blended classroom teaching, bedside mentoring, and homecare visits, allowing participants to translate theory into practice.
This hands-on approach has strengthened local trainer capacity and ensured that Bhutan’s healthcare professionals can continue to deliver high-quality, compassionate care long after the international trainers leave.
A Heart-Filled Moment of Pride
Standing at the Symposium, surrounded by familiar faces from JDWNRH, KGUMSB, and the Ministry of Health, one could not help but feel deeply moved and fulfilled. To witness how far Bhutan has come — from the early days of advocacy and awareness, to the present moment where palliative care is expanding across the nation — is truly inspiring.
The presence and encouragement of Her Princess Royal Highness, the steadfast leadership of the Ministry of Health, and the tireless spirit of Bhutan’s healthcare professionals have together created a model of progress that many countries in the region can learn from.
Looking Ahead
As we look toward the next phase of development, APHN remains committed to walking alongside Bhutan — supporting policy integration, expanding community outreach, strengthening training pathways, and nurturing the next generation of palliative care leaders.
The progress seen in Bhutan is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through visionary leadership, compassionate partnerships, and shared purpose.
On this World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, we celebrate Bhutan’s journey — a story of hope, humanity, and the enduring belief that every life deserves comfort, dignity, and peace.
WHPCD Symposium
Module 5 Training the Trainer Palliative Care Training
Bedside Teaching
Written by Mr Giam Cheong Leong (APHN Executive Director )
This project is a Lien Collaborative for Palliative Care initiative to build capacity in developing countries in Asia. The Lien Collaborative for Palliative Care was co-developed by the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN) and the Lien Foundation.