Bhutan: a primary health care case study in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
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World Health Organization
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vi, 17 p.
This case study examines Bhutan’s primary health care (PHC) system in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic between January 2020 and June 2021. Using the Astana PHC framework, the study analyses how integrated primary care, multisectoral collaboration and community engagement contributed to Bhutan’s pandemic response. Drawing on secondary data, government reports and published literature, the report describes the country’s governance structures, financing mechanisms, service delivery arrangements and public health interventions during the pandemic. It highlights the role of strong political leadership, decentralized planning, and whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches in preventing widespread community transmission and ensuring continuity of essential health services. The study documents measures adopted to maintain service delivery, including teleconsultations, mobile clinics, medicine refill services, task-sharing among health workers and the expansion of digital surveillance and information systems. It also examines the contribution of community volunteers, civil society organizations and multisectoral partnerships to surveillance, risk communication and support services. The report concludes that Bhutan’s experience demonstrates the importance of resilient PHC systems, community participation, digital innovation and coordinated multisectoral action in strengthening preparedness for future health emergencies.
This case study examines Bhutan’s primary health care (PHC) system in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic between January 2020 and June 2021. Using the Astana PHC framework, the study analyses how integrated primary care, multisectoral collaboration and community engagement contributed to Bhutan’s pandemic response. Drawing on secondary data, government reports and published literature, the report describes the country’s governance structures, financing mechanisms, service delivery arrangements and public health interventions during the pandemic. It highlights the role of strong political leadership, decentralized planning, and whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches in preventing widespread community transmission and ensuring continuity of essential health services. The study documents measures adopted to maintain service delivery, including teleconsultations, mobile clinics, medicine refill services, task-sharing among health workers and the expansion of digital surveillance and information systems. It also examines the contribution of community volunteers, civil society organizations and multisectoral partnerships to surveillance, risk communication and support services. The report concludes that Bhutan’s experience demonstrates the importance of resilient PHC systems, community participation, digital innovation and coordinated multisectoral action in strengthening preparedness for future health emergencies.