WÒRDS FÒR YÒU

In a landmark move to enhance medical services and improve patient care, Bhutan has announced the introduction of private and foreign investments in its healthcare sector. The new regulatory framework, titled The Healthcare Services Rules and Regulations 2025 , was unveiled yesterday by the Ministry of Health. This initiative aims to expand healthcare infrastructure while maintaining strict oversight to ensure quality and compliance. The framework outlines a comprehensive licensing system for private healthcare centers, categorizing facilities into nine distinct types: Super-specialty hospitals, multi-disciplinary hospitals, traditional medicine hospitals, general hospitals, primary healthcare centers, diagnostic centers, allied healthcare centers, clinics, and other services. Each category will be subject to rigorous evaluation and approval by the Ministry of Health, ensuring that all facilities meet national standards. Licensing and Compliance Under the new rules, healthcare provider...

In a bold declaration that challenges China's claims over Tibetan Buddhist succession, the Dalai Lama has stated that his reincarnation will be born in the "free world," outside of Chinese control. This announcement, made in his newly released book, Voice for the Voiceless, marks a significant escalation in the long-standing dispute over the future of Tibetan Buddhism and the Dalai Lama lineage. The statement, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan Uprising, underscores the Dalai Lama's commitment to preserving Tibetan culture and the spiritual mission of his lineage, free from Chinese interference. "The reincarnation will occur in the free world, where the values of compassion and cultural preservation flourish without oppression," the Dalai Lama wrote, directly rejecting Beijing's assertion that it holds the authority to approve his successor. China has long maintained that the selection of the Dalai Lama's successor...

In a significant move to safeguard Bhutan’s cultural and spiritual heritage, the Deputy Chief of Police (DCoP) of the Crime and Operations Department delivered a detailed presentation on “Lhakhang and Chorten Vandalism” to senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) on 12 March. The high-level meeting, graced by His Excellency Lyonpo Tshering, Minister of Home Affairs, brought together key stakeholders to address the growing concerns over the protection of the nation’s sacred religious sites.   The session was attended by prominent figures, including the Secretary of the Dratshang Lhentshog, the Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Director Generals of the Department of Local Governance and the Department of Law and Order, the Director of the Department of Culture and Dzong Development (DoCDD), representatives from the Dratsang Tensung team, and senior officers from the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP).   The presentation highlighted the urgent...

Pawo Choyning Dorji's second film, "The Monk and the Gun," has generated significant buzz since its debut at the 2023 Telluride Film Festival. This collaborative effort from several international film companies has been praised for its compelling narrative, lighthearted comedy, and relevant social commentary. Synopsis Set in Bhutan during 2006, the film chronicles the country's move towards its first democratic elections. The story focuses on a secluded village where the introduction of modern technology coincides with the government's efforts to educate citizens about democratic processes. In the midst of these changes, rumors arise about a respected monk's search for a firearm, leading to a series of comedic and insightful events. The film features performances by Tandin Wangchuk, Deki Lhamo, Pema Zangmo Sherpa, and Harry Einhorn, among others. It was produced by a group of international studios and is being distributed worldwide by Films Boutiqu...

In a momentous ceremony held today, His Holiness the Je Khenpo awarded completion certificates to 19 monks who have successfully graduated with a Master of Philosophy in Buddhist Studies. The event took place during the ongoing Chenrezig Drubchen at Autsho Namdroling Goenzin Dratshang in Lhuentse, underscoring the significance of this academic and spiritual milestone. The graduating monks hail from two prominent monastic institutions: Druk Namgay Choeling Goenzin Dratshang in Phuentshogling and Dorling Goenzin Dratshang in Wangdue Phodrang. Their achievement marks the successful completion of the third batch of the Master’s in Philosophy program, a rigorous academic endeavor offered across the nation’s 20 Goenzin Dratshangs. This program not only highlights the deep-rooted commitment to preserving and advancing Buddhist teachings but also reflects the growing emphasis on higher education within the monastic community. The graduates, now equipped with advanced kn...

In a shocking case that highlights the severe consequences of drug trafficking, Sonam, a Bhutanese yak herder and father, has been sentenced to death in China for attempting to smuggle over 900 grams of methamphetamine. The arrest and subsequent investigation have unveiled a complex network of individuals involved in the operation, many of whom claim to have been unaware of the contents of the tightly wrapped packages they were transporting. According to sources, Sonam was accompanied by two accomplices, aged 27 and 34, who managed to evade arrest and returned to Haa, Bhutan, the following day. The case came to light when Sonam’s sister filed a complaint with the Haa police on December 19 after learning of her brother’s detention from the two accomplices. This led to the arrest of the two individuals, who, during interrogation, revealed the names of others involved in the smuggling operation. The Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) subsequently arrested seven individuals connected to the case, i...

In a move that has electrified football fans across Nepal and Bhutan, Bhutanese football sensation Chencho Gyeltshen, often hailed as the “Bhutanese Ronaldo,” has signed with Lalitpur FC for the upcoming season. This return marks a professional milestone and the fulfillment of a heartfelt promise made in 2023. Chencho, a dynamic forward, previously played for Machindra FC but was forced to cut his season short due to an injury. Despite the setback, he assured one of Machindra FC’s sponsors—now the owner of Lalitpur FC—that he would return to Nepal to complete his unfinished business. True to his word, Chencho is back, ready to make an impact on and off the pitch. “Nepal, being close to Bhutan and sharing cultural similarities, provides the perfect environment for me to play, and it always has,” Chencho shared. “Lalitpur FC is one of the finest teams in Nepal, and I hope we can lift the title this year. It would be fascinating to contribute to the club’s success.” Chencho’s ...