Cardiovascular Surgical Services in Bhutan: Current Progress, Challenges and Future Plans

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are rising in Bhutan, with 279 adults and 227 pediatric patients referred to India for cardiovascular disease treatment in the last 3 years. Since its establishment in 2023, the catheterization laboratory has performed close to 400 diagnostic angiograms and numerous interventions, saving many lives and reducing up to 50 million ngultrums in revenue. As Bhutan’s cardiac surgical services are still in their early stages, technical capacity in the form of human resources and equipment needs to be developed. Herein, we discuss the current state of cardiovascular services in Bhutan, the challenges, and future directions.