Department of Dermatology in JDWNRH is the tertiary care unit, which provides specialized Dermatology and Sexually transmitted infections services. The department manages common dermatological conditions the nation’s most complex and complicated cases. The department is the referral center for all the dermatological cases from various part of the country.
At present the Dermatology services are provided by team of three dermatologist, four residents and nurses.
To provide comprehensive, evidence-based, and compassionate dermatological care through excellence in clinical services, education and innovation. As the national referral center, we are committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, advancing dermatology through training and research, and collaborating with healthcare partners to improve skin health and reduce the burden of skin diseases across the nation.
To be a center of excellence in dermatology, providing evidence based, patient-centered care and advancing education and research, and leading the prevention and management of skin diseases to improve the health and quality of life of the nation.
We treat every patient with empathy, dignity, and respect, recognizing and responding to their individual physical, emotional, and cultural needs.
We maintain the highest standards of anesthesia practice through evidence-based medicine, robust safety measures, and continuous quality improvement.
We value open communication, mutual respect, and multidisciplinary cooperation to provide seamless perioperative care and support successful surgical outcomes.
We are committed to ensuring all patients receive timely, inclusive, and equitable anesthesia care regardless of their background or circumstances.
We uphold ethical principles, transparency, and professionalism while remaining accountable to our patients, colleagues, and the wider community.
We encourage innovation, embrace advancements in medical technology, and promote a culture of continuous learning, education, and professional growth.
Documentation on dermatology services in Bhutan prior to 1997 is limited. The formal development of the specialty began in 1997 with the appointment of Dr. Pema Rinzin, the country’s first full-time dermatologist, at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) in Thimphu. His appointment marked the beginning of dedicated dermatology services in Bhutan.
In 2002, Dr. Tez Kumari joined JDWNRH as a dermatologist, further strengthening the growing specialty. This was followed by the appointment of Dr. Deki Pelzom in 2005, who initially served at JDWNRH before being transferred to the Eastern Regional Referral Hospital (ERRH). Together, these pioneering dermatologists laid the foundation for the establishment and growth of dermatological care in the country.
The specialist workforce continued to expand over the following decade. In 2014, Dr. Ambika R. Pradhan joined JDWNRH as an MD Dermatologist. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Choden was appointed as an MD Dermatologist with the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA). More recently, Dr. Chime and Dr. Mamta joined JDWNRH as MD Dermatologists, further enhancing the department’s capacity to provide specialized dermatological care.
A landmark achievement in dermatology education was realized in 2022 with the establishment of the MD Dermatology Residency Program at the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan (KGUMSB). The program currently has four residents in training, with the first resident scheduled to sit for the final institute examination this year.
The Dermatology Outpatient Department (OPD) has undergone several relocations and expansions since its inception before being established at its present location. With the recent expansion of the outpatient facilities, the department now includes four consultation rooms, two procedure rooms, and a dedicated phototherapy room, substantially enhancing its capacity to deliver comprehensive outpatient dermatological services.
The development of inpatient dermatology services has followed a similar trajectory. Initially, patients requiring admission were managed under the Department of Medicine. As the specialty evolved, a dedicated six-bedded dermatology ward was established within the psychiatric ward. These beds were subsequently relocated to the medical ward, where they remained for several years. Currently, dermatology inpatient services are provided in a shared ward with the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) and Dental departments, supported by a common nursing team. Despite these changes in location and infrastructure, the department has continued to provide specialized inpatient care while adapting to the evolving needs and resources of the hospital.
The Department of Dermatology provides comprehensive outpatient, inpatient, diagnostic, therapeutic, and educational services for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases affecting the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes.
General dermatology outpatient consultation
Specialist referral clinic
Tele-dermatology consultation
Inpatient dermatology consultation and management
Emergency dermatology consultations
Management of eczema and dermatitis
Psoriasis management
Acne and rosacea management
Pigmentary disorders (vitiligo, melasma, etc.)
Autoimmune skin disorders
Connective tissue diseases with cutaneous manifestations
Infectious skin diseases (bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections)
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Leprosy diagnosis and follow-up
HIV-associated dermatoses
Pediatric dermatology
Geriatric dermatology
Skin biopsy
Electrocautery and radiofrequency procedures
Cryotherapy
Intralesional therapy
Nail and scalp biopsy
Chemical cauterization
Wound and eczema care and dressings
Iontophoresis
Botulinum toxin for hyperhidrosis
Narrowband UVB phototherapy
Phototherapy for psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, pruritus, and other inflammatory dermatoses
Conducted in collaboration with the Postgraduate Medical Education Program under Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan.
A diploma program conducted in partnership with the Faculty of Nursing and Public Health to develop skilled anesthesia technicians for the national healthcare system.
Conducted in collaboration with the Postgraduate Medical Education Program under Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan.
A diploma program conducted in partnership with the Faculty of Nursing and Public Health to develop skilled anesthesia technicians for the national healthcare system.
Conducted in collaboration with the Postgraduate Medical Education Program under Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan.
A diploma program conducted in partnership with the Faculty of Nursing and Public Health to develop skilled anesthesia technicians for the national healthcare system.
Conducted in collaboration with the Postgraduate Medical Education Program under Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan.
A diploma program conducted in partnership with the Faculty of Nursing and Public Health to develop skilled anesthesia technicians for the national healthcare system.
Conducted in collaboration with the Postgraduate Medical Education Program under Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan.
The Dermatology Unit is committed to delivering safe, equitable, and evidence-based dermatological care with compassion, integrity, and respect. We strive to promote excellence in clinical practice, education, research, and innovation while fostering multidisciplinary collaboration, continuous quality improvement, and equitable access to specialized dermatology services. We are dedicated to developing a highly skilled workforce, advancing national standards of skin health, and serving as the country’s leading referral center for comprehensive dermatological care.
