𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐈𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞

…𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒕 𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒍, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒇𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒄𝒚

By Leki Chungdon & Yeshi Dolma

Traditional medicine has long been a cornerstone of healthcare in Bhutan, deeply rooted in culture, history, and community practices. Families across generations have relied on herbal remedies, therapeutic massages, and other natural treatments for ailments ranging from chronic pain to respiratory and pediatric conditions. Recently, concerns about heavy metals, particularly lead, in herbal remedies have caused anxiety among patients and caregivers. These worries challenge doctors, complicate treatment, and have prompted rigorous oversight from government authorities and independent agencies.

“Patients often arrive worried because they hear that traditional medicine can damage the kidneys,” said Drungtsho Karma Ugyen. “Just last week, a patient came crying, saying that modern medicine was unbearably painful. She wanted to try traditional medicine for relief but was afraid it would harm her kidneys. Situations like this make treatment more challenging, but I can assure patients that medicines produced under BFDA regulation are completely safe. In fact, we recently tested 123 different traditional medicines, and none contained lead.”

The reliance on traditional medicine extends beyond local patients. International patients also place trust in the system. Sunil Kumar Khosla, a World Bank official, shared his experience after years of struggling with chronic knee pain. “Allopathic treatments only gave me temporary relief. Someone recommended the traditional hospital here, and the process was smooth- I registered quickly, met the doctors, and was advised a combination of medicines and massage. After the first session, I already felt some improvement. I plan to continue because, in my view, certain ailments cannot always be resolved through modern medicine.”

Concerns about lead contamination often arise from reports in other countries. Kinley Dorjee, a research officer, explained, “Issues reported in Nepal, Thailand, or European and U.S. herbal remedies have fueled fears here. All medicines produced by Menjong Sorig are rigorously tested using advanced equipment, and any product with lead is immediately rejected. Our XRF testing of 98 samples confirmed no contamination from manufacturing. If lead is ever detected, it usually comes from poor storage, such as keeping medicines in metal containers. People can trust that medicines from certified outlets are safe and closely regulated.”

Patients and their families have echoed these reassurances. Gyem Bidha, whose husband has been under treatment for over two months, said, “I’ve heard people talk about lead in traditional medicine, but we don’t believe those rumors are true.” Kinga Dema added, “I also receive modern medicine for my blood pressure because my doctor advised not to mix it with traditional medicine. Still, I feel the traditional medicine has been more helpful for me.”

Tshering Tenzin, CEO of Menjong Sorig Pharmaceuticals Corporation Limited, emphasized that their operations are under strict government regulation as part of Druk Holding and Investments. “Every year, the Food and Drug Authority inspects our products against international standards. From quarantining raw materials to repeated quality checks before release, we follow rigorous procedures. With growing rumors about heavy metals in traditional medicine, we have become even more cautious. Our laboratory is equipped with advanced technology, including an ICP-MS machine. Using this, we have tested all our medicines thoroughly, and I can assure the public that our products contain no lead.”

Safety checks extend beyond national borders. At the Royal Centre for Disease Control (RCDC), imported medicines are tested using internationally validated methods, including Indian Pharmacopoeia standards. More than 120 cough syrups have been tested so far. The centre also collects samples from retail pharmacies and hospitals, especially when there is doubt over the quality of a medicine, ensuring both safety and efficacy. These assessments simulate how medicines react when they enter the human body, providing confidence that treatments are not only safe but also effective.

Long-term patients sometimes express frustration with both modern and traditional treatments. “I have been sick for 30 years and have tried both traditional and allopathic treatments faithfully, taking medicines on time, but none of them truly worked,” said one patient. Such concerns highlight the importance of transparency, clear communication, and independent verification to maintain public confidence.

Researchers have emphasized the role of systematic monitoring and scientific verification in bolstering trust. Kinley Dorjee added, “Regular monitoring, laboratory testing, and strict adherence to safety protocols ensure that traditional medicine remains both effective and reliable. Patients need not fear contaminants if they source medicines from certified providers.”

The healthcare system carefully guides patients on the use of modern and traditional medicines. Modern doctors advise those taking prescribed medications to be cautious when using traditional remedies, highlighting potential kidney risks if treatments are combined incorrectly. These guidelines help patients use both systems safely, allowing many to benefit from traditional therapies while following medical advice. Patients without such risks can use traditional medicine freely, ensuring they receive comprehensive care that respects both modern science and cultural practices.

Traditional medicine is also accessible for pediatric and geriatric care. Children with respiratory conditions, nose allergies, or digestive issues have been successfully treated with herbal remedies and therapeutic massages. For elderly patients with chronic joint pain, traditional therapies often provide relief without the side effects associated with long-term modern medication. Patients report satisfaction with both the care process and the outcomes, reflecting trust in the system.

Comparisons with other countries reinforce the importance of regulation. While cases of contamination have emerged internationally, strict national oversight ensures that the medicines produced locally meet high standards. Independent verification by research officers and testing at Menjong Sorig laboratories demonstrate a proactive approach to safety.
The combination of patient experiences, expert reassurance, and regulatory oversight creates a robust framework of trust. Patients can rely on evidence-based traditional medicine while benefiting from cultural familiarity and professional care. Whether addressing chronic ailments, pediatric conditions, or routine health maintenance, traditional medicine offers a credible, safe, and effective choice.

“Patients often arrive anxious or hesitant, but strong oversight and independent verification allow us to provide clear reassurance,” said Drungtsho Karma Ugyen. “Ultimately, patients can focus on healing without fear.”
Strong laws, scientific testing, and regional collaboration are being combined to ensure medicines are safe for all. Patients, traditional doctors, researchers, and regulators all play a role in this growing shield of trust. Safe medicines and strong regulations are no longer just a promise- they are a reality that protects people today and prepares the system for tomorrow.