Community Health

The Department of Anesthesiology at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital plays a central role in providing comprehensive perioperative care, critical care services, pain management, medical education, and research. Our team of anesthesiologists, trainees, and healthcare professionals works together to ensure the highest standards of patient safety and comfort throughout the surgical journey.

In addition to providing anesthesia services, the department is actively involved in the management of acute and chronic pain, intensive care medicine, and the training of future anesthesiologists and anesthesia technicians. We also serve as the national referral center for anesthesia services and contribute significantly to the development of anesthesia care across Bhutan.

Our Mission

To provide safe, equitable, and patient-focused anesthesia care through evidence-based practice, multidisciplinary collaboration, and modern technology. We are dedicated to continuous professional development, research, and education, ensuring the training of highly competent anesthesia professionals while contributing to Bhutan’s healthcare goals. Through compassion, respect, and integrity, we strive to deliver exceptional care tailored to the needs of every patient.

Our Vision

To become a leading center of excellence in anesthesia and perioperative medicine within the region by delivering innovative, compassionate, and safe patient care while advancing education, research, and clinical practice.

National Program goals and Objectives

Quality Antenatal, Postnatal, and Family Planning Services.

Reduction in IMR by providing high quality Immunization Services.

Reduction in morbidity and mortality in women in the reproductive age group by enhancing breast and cervical cancer screening program and colposcopy.

Enhancing knowledge and awareness of the target population through continued health promotion and education and counselling services.

History of CHD Services in Bhutan

Anesthesia services in Bhutan began in the late 1970s and early 1980s at Thimphu General Hospital under Dr. G.C. Sharma from Assam, who transferred to Trashigang Hospital in 1983, leaving Dr. Sarkar to continue the service until UN Volunteer anesthetist Dr. Phone Kyaw took over in 1984. A major milestone occurred in 1983 when Dr. Yanki Shipmo joined Thimphu General Hospital and founded Bhutan’s first Nurse Anesthetist Training Program to address severe staff shortages. In February 1988, Mr. Singye and Mr. Lungten Jamtsho became the first Bhutanese nurses selected for this specialized track; after six months of rigorous training, they provided autonomous anesthesia services at Gelephu General Hospital and Tsimalakha Hospital, laying the groundwork for a system that now includes over 30 nurse anesthetists nationwide.

In early 1998, Bhutan’s first nationally qualified anesthesiologist returned to work at JDWNRH, served at the Military Hospital in Dewathang during security difficulties, and officially entered civil service in January 1999. Later that year, Dr. Singay Dorji became the first Head of the Department of Anesthesiology, where he upgraded clinical services, drugs, and equipment, and established JDWNRH’s first three-bed intensive care unit (ICU).

Dr. Gosar Pemba succeeded him as department head from 2009 to 2014, modernizing services and helping establish Bhutan’s anesthesia residency training program before becoming JDWNRH’s Medical Superintendent, at which point Dr. Jampel Tshering took over leadership. Ultimately, Bhutan’s anesthesia services have evolved from simple open-drop ether methods into a modern system featuring advanced anesthesia workstations, sophisticated monitoring, advanced critical care, labor analgesia, comprehensive pain management clinics, and ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia.