Geneva, 24 February 2010 - The first Global Forum of the Noncommunicable Disease Network (NCDnet) marks the first time World Health Organization (WHO) has convened key stakeholder groups to address the large-scale and increasing global health and development burden posed by noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). More than 100 people representing all stakeholder groups and geographic regions, including HRH Princess Haya Al Hussein of Jordan, and HRH Princess Mathilde of Belgium, Duchess of Brabant, and high ranking policy makers and officials are meeting to address the NCD gap in the development agenda and the mobilization of support.

Over the past few days, there were queries and clarifications sought on the RFP for Health Help Center (HHC). We would like to share the document outlining the rationale, vision, mission, solutions sought for the ICT-enabled healthcare in Bhutan and the governance structure. Kindly use it for reference and as information for preparation of a comprehensive proposal relevant to the existing healthcare system in Bhutan. We suggest that independent bidders conduct its own investigations and analysis to ensure accurate and complete information for their proposals.

The purpose of sharing the document is to give an idea of how the ICT- enabled solution for healthcare is seen as a part of improving accessibility to healthcare in the country while keeping in mind, the existing "working healthcare system" in Bhutan.

Click here to access the document. 

It can also be downloaded from the downloads section under ICT related - Health Help Center Document.

Since there is a long holiday in Bhutan i.e. from 19^th February to 23^rd February 2010, any queries on the above will be responded to by Officiating Chief Administrative Office, Ms. Dechen Wangmo and Mrs. Gaki Tshering, Head ICT Unit.

They will be available from Wednesday 24^th February 2010. 

For any further quries please email them at:

1. Ms. Dechen Wangmo: dcfomoh@health.gov.bt
2. Mrs. Gaki Tshering: gakitshering@health.gov.bt

The "Health Help Centre" is the third charter signed by the Ministry with the Hon'ble Prime Minister on 12th December 2009. This initiative aspires to enable all the citizens of Bhutan to reach healthcare professional within one hour through use of a toll free number. The set-up of a call centre is initially focused to provide the following services:

1. Health helpline-medical triage and counseling

2. Emergency vehicle services- ambulance coordination

The RFP is now available in the download section under "ICT related" or can be accessed by clicking here.

The 19th PRCM held on 1st February 2010, approved the recommendations submitted by the Administration and Finance Division (AFD) on measures to improve and strengthen the financial management system of the Ministry. As per the recommendation, the Accounts and Budget section of the AFD will be strictly implementing the service standards set by the Ministry of Finance with the stated underlying conditions. The documents can be accessed in the downloads section under AFD related or by clicking on the name of the documents: 

1. Approved AFD recommendations

2. Service Standards in Accounting Units

3. Delegation of Financial Powers

Honourable Members of Parliament, Dashos, Experts from the World Bank, WHO, Mc Kinsey & Co.,, UN Representatives and Ladies & Gentlemen. Click here to read more

Today, the Royal Government of Bhutan makes a pledge - to significantly improve gross national happiness of its population by delivering to its citizens social and economic growth over the 10th plan period. Read more...

4 DECEMBER 2009 | GENEVA – The World Health Organization (WHO) is increasing its attention to tobacco control in Africa with the overall goal of preventing tobacco use from becoming as prevalent there as it is in other parts of the world.

The focus of the programme will be on strengthening countries' ability to implement the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), the international health treaty that guides national efforts to counter the tobacco epidemic, and the establishment of a regional centre of excellence to support the development of countries' capacity to resist the spread of tobacco use.

Efforts towards universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support are bringing AIDS out of isolation

Geneva / Shanghai, 24 November 2009 – According to new data in the 2009 AIDS epidemic update, new HIV infections have been reduced by 17% over the past eight years. Since 2001, when the United Nations Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS was signed, the number of new infections in sub-Saharan Africa is approximately 15% lower, which is about 400,000 fewer infections in 2008. In East Asia HIV incidence has declined by nearly 25% and in South and South East Asia by 10% in the same time period. In Eastern Europe, after a dramatic increase in new infections among injecting drug users, the epidemic has leveled off considerably. However, in some countries there are signs that HIV incidence is rising again.