PM Modi Inaugurates State-of-the-Art Medical Facility in Thimphu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay jointly inaugurated a modern hospital in the Bhutanese capital, Thimphu. The Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuk Mother and Child Hospital is a shining example of the strong development cooperation between India and Bhutan.

A World-Class Medical Center

The hospital is a state-of-the-art 150-bedded facility that has been built with Indian assistance. The construction was carried out in two phases, with the first phase costing ₹22 crore and becoming operational in 2019. The second phase, completed recently, was undertaken as part of Bhutan’s 12th Five Year Plan at a cost of ₹119 crore.

Strengthening Ties during PM Modi’s Visit

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Bhutan on Friday and Saturday aimed to further cement the unique and long-standing friendship between the two nations. During his stay, PM Modi met with Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and held talks with Prime Minister Tobgay.

In a significant gesture, the King of Bhutan conferred the prestigious ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’ on PM Modi, making him the first foreign Head of Government to receive this honor. The award recognizes PM Modi’s contribution to strengthening the India-Bhutan friendship and his people-centric leadership.

Enduring Partnership and Support

India and Bhutan established diplomatic relations in 1968, and their relationship is guided by the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 and revised in 2007. During his visit, PM Modi announced that India will provide ₹10,000 crore in support to Bhutan over the next five years, further solidifying the enduring partnership between the two nations.

The inauguration of the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuk Mother and Child Hospital stands as a testament to the deep-rooted ties between India and Bhutan. This world-class medical facility will not only serve the people of Bhutan but also serve as a symbol of the unwavering commitment to each other’s development and prosperity.