General Information
Physiotherapy is a medical science focused on managing anatomical or physiological disorders using techniques such as Electrotherapy, Cryotherapy, Hydrotherapy, exercises, and therapeutic massage.
Physiotherapy services began in Bhutan in early 1989, initiated by a Burmese Physiotherapist.
As of now, there are 27 physiotherapy technicians working across 13 different hospitals in Bhutan.
Services Provided
The Physiotherapy Department offers two main OPD services: Adult Physiotherapy and Pediatric Physiotherapy. The department also provides services to the Drak Tsho Vocational Training Centre and the Integrated School at Changangkha, Thimphu.
Yes, Pediatric Physiotherapy services are available in a separate OPD to address the specific needs of children.
Training and Staffing
The Royal Institute of Health & Science offers a Physiotherapy Technician training program, recruiting four candidates each year for this training.
The department aims to have 45 trained physiotherapy technicians across the country to ensure services are available at all district hospitals by 2007.
In addition to Bhutanese physiotherapists, an HVO physiotherapist from the USA visits on a rotating basis every 2-4 months to conduct theoretical and practical training, as JDWNRH is a teaching hospital.