𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐭𝐬𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐠 𝐍𝐂𝐃 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

…𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒚 𝒅𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘-𝒖𝒑, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝑵𝑪𝑫 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕

By Kinga Choki

In preparation for the dzongkhag-wide screening for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Samtse recently hosted a major training workshop aimed at strengthening the capacity of healthcare professionals in using the Bhutan Care mobile application, an integrated digital tool designed to enhance data collection, reporting, referrals, and follow-up care. The initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, the Dzongkhag Health Sector, and the GovTech Agency.

A total of 55 healthcare workers from facilities across Samtse Dzongkhag participated in the workshop. The training is expected to play a critical role as the dzongkhag launches its mass NCD screening program, which began on February 25, 2026. The initiative emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and early detection of high-burden conditions, particularly hypertension and diabetes, two leading contributors to disability, complications, and premature deaths in Bhutan.

Deputy Chief Program Officer for the Lifestyle Related Disease Program, Karchung, highlighted that improving screening coverage and strengthening digital health systems are central to this year’s national NCD strategy. “Last year’s data showed low screening rates in several areas, prompting the Ministry of Health to identify five priority locations for targeted intervention: Samtse, Phuentsholing Thromde, Chhukha, Thimphu Thromde, and Tsirang Dzongkhag,” he said.

The chief planning officer explained that these areas would receive intensified outreach to ensure timely detection, diagnosis, and treatment of NCDs. “Early detection is essential because it allows for the prompt initiation of evidence-based treatment protocols,” the officer said.
Interventions such as these significantly improve long-term health outcomes for individuals living with NCDs. Early and consistent treatment helps patients maintain blood pressure and blood glucose within recommended target ranges, preventing or delaying complications such as kidney disease, stroke, and major cardiovascular events. Unchecked hypertension or elevated blood glucose, by contrast, can lead to severe conditions including end-stage renal disease, heart failure, and stroke, which often require advanced care such as dialysis or organ transplantation.

The national NCD program aims to strengthen early case detection, improve diagnosis, and ensure timely initiation of treatment. These measures, combined with person-centred counselling, are designed to reduce disability, prevent premature deaths, and lower long-term healthcare costs for families and the government.
To support these goals, the Ministry is implementing targeted digital and community-based interventions across the five priority areas. A key component is the Bhutan Care mobile application, developed with support from the Four Banks Project, the Government Technology Agency, and JICA. The platform strengthens all aspects of NCD screening- from data entry and referral to continuous follow-up- while financial assistance for the screening program and associated training is provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).

During the workshop, health workers were trained to use the app for accurate data recording, verification, referral generation, and follow-up tracking. The system allows real-time documentation of screening results and facilitates seamless referrals to higher-level facilities for confirmatory diagnosis, improving coordination between primary health centres and secondary facilities while reducing reliance on manual or fragmented documentation systems.
Previously, screening data were recorded using paper registers and Excel sheets, making real-time tracking difficult and often causing delays in follow-up care, particularly for individuals who screened positive for hypertension or diabetes. The upgraded digital process now allows health workers to track all screen-positive individuals through the electronic Patient Information System (ePIS), ensuring continuity of care from screening to diagnosis and long-term treatment. Automated SMS reminders are sent to individuals who require follow-up, helping them adhere to appointments and manage their conditions effectively.

At the screening sites, health workers provide counselling and health education tailored to each individual’s needs, emphasizing timely follow-up, medication adherence, and lifestyle changes such as improving diet, increasing physical activity, quitting harmful habits, and managing stress. Individuals with abnormal results are advised to visit the nearest health facility within one week for confirmatory testing and further assessment.
Beyond clinical functions, the Bhutan Care App empowers individuals by granting direct access to their screening reports, laboratory results, and personalised care plans. The app also delivers evidence-based health messages on NCD prevention and healthy lifestyle adoption.

Samtse health professionals highlighted the transformative impact of the training. Dzongkhag Health Assistant Mitra Panday noted that the standardized screening protocol, uniform documentation system, and hands-on training provided through the workshop have significantly elevated the quality and consistency of NCD screening. “Early detection prevents severe complications such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure, reduces disability, lowers premature deaths, improves quality of life, and ultimately reduces healthcare costs for families and the government,” Panday said. He encouraged the public to take full advantage of the free screening program and urged individuals to know their health status, adopt healthy lifestyles, and encourage others to participate.
“Community participation is essential for the screening program to succeed,” he added. “The public is encouraged to follow guidance from the Ministry of Health, attend screening sites as scheduled, and visit their nearest health center or screening post for further care if required.”

The Samtse workshop marks a key milestone in Bhutan’s ongoing transition toward digital health systems and strengthened public health interventions. With the enhanced capacity of its health workforce and an integrated digital platform in place, Samtse Dzongkhag is now fully prepared to implement its comprehensive NCD screening initiative- aimed not only at early detection but also at safeguarding long-term health, reducing complications, and supporting a healthier future for the community.