Modern forensic medicine services in Bhutan have evolved considerably over the past two decades. Prior to 2005, medicolegal services were primarily limited to clinical examinations and external
postmortem examinations conducted by general medical officers, with no dedicated forensic medicine unit or specialist services in the country. A major milestone was achieved in 2005 with the establishment of the first Forensic Medicine Unit at JDWNRH under the leadership of Dr. Pakila Drukpa, Bhutan's first Forensic Medicine Specialist. This marked the beginning of specialized forensic medicine services in the country and laid the foundation
for the development of modern medicolegal practice in Bhutan.

As the demand for forensic services increased, the unit was progressively strengthened and expanded into the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology (DFMT), which now serves as Bhutan's national referral centre for forensic medicine and toxicology. Today, the department provides comprehensive clinical forensic medicine, forensic pathology, forensic toxicology, medicolegal consultation, education, research, and technical support to healthcare institutions and the justice system throughout Bhutan. Over the years, the department has significantly strengthened Bhutan's capacity to investigate sudden and unnatural deaths, document medicolegal injuries, manage cases of sexual and physical assault, perform forensic toxicological investigations, and provide independent expert opinions to support the administration of justice.