The PEMA

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~𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The PEMA Secretariat, in our capacity as the Secretariat to the National Drug Task Force (NDTF) conducted a three-day National Multi-stakeholder Consultation on the National Response to Address Substance Use Issues from December 4-6, 2023 in Paro. A meeting was also held on November 21 & 22 in Thimphu in preparation for the National Multi-Stakeholder Consultation.

The workshops brought together key stakeholders concerning drug demand and supply reduction efforts including the Bhutan National Legal Institute, Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority, Bhutan Food and Drug Authority, Department of Immigration, Department of Revenue and Customs, Department of Trade, Judiciary, Office of the Attorney General, National Medical Services, Royal Bhutan Police and Civil Society Organizations such as Chithuen Phendhey Association, Youth Development Fund (Bhutan Institute of Wellbeing) and Nazhoen Lamten (Happiness Centre). A representative from Jurwa, a Self-Help Group in Paro also took part in the workshop.

The National Response to Address Substance Use Issues is envisioned as a Strategic Document that will guide Bhutan’s effort to reduce the demand and supply of substances for the next 10 years. The Document will contain short-term and long-term targets in conformity with the 13th Five Year Plan and Long-term Plan of the Royal Government of Bhutan, besides also charting out a three-year action plan. The document is expected to be finalized in March 2024.

Judiciary of Bhutan
Office of the Attorney General
༄། །འབྲུག་རྒྱལ་ཡོངས་ཁྲིམས་དོན་གཙུག་སྡེ། Bhutan National Legal Institute
Royal Bhutan Police
Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority, Bhutan
Drug Regulatory Authority(DRA), Bhutan
Department of Revenue and Customs, Thimphu Bhutan
Ministry of Home Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan
Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, Royal Government of Bhutan
Nazhoen
Chithuen Phendhey Association
Bhutan Institute of Wellbeing
Happiness Centre

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Check Referral Directory for SUD treatment and care services

➡️link: https://thepema.gov.bt/referral-directory-for-sud-services/

🟠🟠🟠☎️1098

Please contact The PEMA helpline at 1098 to report violence cases or incident against women and children and for protection services.

National Commission for Women and Children - NCWC, Bhutan

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𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗿𝘂𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗵𝗼𝗹 𝘂𝘀𝗲.

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MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧-𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐔𝐃 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑

The PEMA Secretariat, in collaboration with the Prison Service Division, Royal Bhutan Police launched the Prison-based Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment and Care Services at the Chamgang Central Prison in Chamgang, coinciding with the 68th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo.

The services, which is a Soelrey, from Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen to the inmates, aim to reduce recidivism among drug convicts with substance use disorders; and provide a holistic, accessible, and compassionate care to drug offenders affected by substance use disorders (SUD) and reintegrate them as productive and responsible citizens. Hon’ble Chief Justice and Chief Advisor of the Interim Government graced the Launch of the treatment and care services, and the launch was preceded by Lhabsang Thruesoel in the morning. Hon’ble Chief of Police, Secretaries, Directors, Senior Police officials and members of The PEMA Board attended the launch.

Drug-related arrests and prison admissions have steadily increased in recent years in the country. The needs and resource assessment for prison-based Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment and care programme carried out by The PEMA Secretariat at Chamgang Central Prison in July 2023 revealed a high lifetime prevalence of both licit and illicit substance use namely to***co, alcohol, cannabis, sedatives, and prescription opioids among drug convicts. A significant proportion were at moderate to high risk for opioid and cannabis use disorders during the time of arrest. Alarmingly, 84.01% had never accessed professional services for their substance use disorders.

Meanwhile, The PEMA Secretariat in collaboration with the respective hospitals, also launched hospital-based SUD treatment and care services in Bumthang, Samdrupjongkhar, Samtse and Wangduephodrang hospitals, today.

Judiciary of Bhutan
Royal Bhutan Police
Sherig Bhutan
Sherig Counselling Services
The Bhutanese
BBS
Kuensel
BBS Channel 3

(Picture Courtesy: PMO, Bhutan)

𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥-𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐔𝐃 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬

The PEMA Secretariat conducted an orientation workshop on the Hospital-based SUD Treatment and Care package in Paro from October 12-17, 2023. The participants for the orientation workshop included the Chief Medical Officers, Nurses, Clinical Counsellor, Drungtsho, Menpa, Peer Counsellors, and Recovery Coach from Bumthang, Paro, Samdrupjongkhar, Samtse, and Wangduephodrang hospitals. Volunteers from Jurwa was also involved to strengthen peer-based recovery support services for people suffering from SUD. As a part of the orientation workshop, the participants paid visits to the Paro Hospital and the Jurwa Centre.

The consultation workshop and the orientation workshop was organized in preparation towards scaling up the Hospital-based SUD Treatment and Care Services in the five hospitals on November 11, 2023, coinciding with the Birth Anniversary of His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo.

The Hospital-based SUD Treatment and Care Services, launched by Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen on October 10, 2022 aspires to offer an increased access to evidence-based treatment and provide an effective referral pathway for persons with SUD through a continuum of care approach.

10.10.2023

~World Mental Health Day

The PEMA Secretariat observed the World Mental Health Day under the national theme, 'Mental Health for All: A Multisectoral Approach for People-Centred Mental Health Care and Services.’

Stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Skills Development, Royal Civil Service Commission, Royal Bhutan Police, Schools under Thimphu Thromde, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, CSOs and development partners including Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, WHO and UNICEF gathered at Zhichenkhar this morning, to mark the day. Hon’ble Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering graced the occasion and delivered a keynote address on the national theme.

The event shed light on global and regional perspectives and emphasized the imperative for a multisectoral and multimodal approach to mental health care and services.

As a symbolic gesture of gratitude for Her Majesty's continued leadership and blessings, the participants offered Zhabten for the wellbeing and longevity of Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen.

In view of the rise in infant abandonment and infanticide cases over the past few years, the Guideline for Prevention and Response to Abandonment of Infants was launched to safeguard and advance infant welfare, focusing on prevention and immediate response, with clear roles for key stakeholders.

Prime Minister's Office - PMO, Bhutan
Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan
Sherig Bhutan
Sherig Counselling Services
Royal Bhutan Police
Thimphu Thromde

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“𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡”

Understanding mental health is important for maintaining overall health and wellbeing. “𝑴𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉” refers to the state of our psychological and emotional well-being. It affects the way we think, feel, and behave, and it influences our ability to cope with everyday challenges and stresses. To seek support and help, please contact ☎️𝟏𝟎𝟏𝟎 𝐨𝐫 𝟏𝟏𝟐.

Understanding Mental Health Understanding mental health is important for maintaining o...

~ 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧)

In preparation for the nationwide Health and Wellbeing Screening, the School Guidance Counsellors and Wellbeing Focal teachers of 24 Higher Secondary Schools in Lhuentse, Mongar, Tashigang, Trashi Yangtse, Pemagatshel and Samdrupjongkhar Dzongkhags and Samdrupjongkhar Thromde were oriented on the Health and Wellbeing Screening and School-based Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Care from October 1-3, 2023 in Tashigang. The DEOs and Principals also took part in a day-long sensitization on September 30, 2023.

The Principals, School Guidance Counsellors and Wellbeing Focal teachers are expected to roll out the Health and Wellbeing Screening in their respective schools starting this week with guidance and support from the dzongkhag and thromde education officers. Subsequently, the Higher Secondary Schools will also initiate School-based SUD Treatment and Care Services.

Meanwhile, almost 10,000 Class XI and XII students in the other regions have already been screened and by the end of the first week of October, 16500 Class XI and XII students across the country are expected to be screened for mental health and substance use disorders. After screening, these students will receive positive reinforcements, brief interventions, group counselling sessions or will be referred to the nearest health centres based on the outcome of the screening and the severity of their disorders. The Health and Wellbeing Screening is initiated by The PEMA Secretariat in collaboration with the Department of Education Programme, MoESD. The screening is a part of The PEMA’s effort towards prevention and early identification of mental health and substance use issues.

Sherig Bhutan
Sherig Counselling Services

~ 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭-𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧)

In preparation for the nationwide Health and Wellbeing Screening, the School Guidance Counsellors and Wellbeing Focal teachers of 15 Higher Secondary Schools in Bumthang, Sarpang, Trongsa and Zhemgang Dzongkhags and Gelephu Thromde were oriented on the Health and Wellbeing Screening and School-based Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Care from September 24-26, 2023 in Gelephu. The DEOs and Principals also took part in a day-long sensitization on September 23, 2023.

The Principals, School Guidance Counsellors and Wellbeing Focal teachers are expected to roll out the Health and Wellbeing Screening in their respective schools starting next week. The Higher Secondary Schools will also initiate School-based SUD Treatment and Care Services.

Meanwhile, the Higher Secondary Schools of Thimphu, Chukha Dzongkhag, Samtse, Paro, Haa, Dagana, Gasa, Punakha, Tsirang and Wanguephodrang Dzongkhags, and Thimphu and Phuntsholing Thromdes have already started administering Health and Wellbeing Screening of all Class XI and XII students. Health and Wellbeing Screening is conducted by The PEMA Secretariat in collaboration with the Department of Education Programme, MoESD. The screening is a part of The PEMA’s effort towards prevention and early identification of mental health and substance use issues.

Sherig Bhutan
Sherig Counselling Services

The PEMA Secretariat would like to wish you all a Thruebab Trashi Delek. May this day be one of your moments to level up your determination to nurture the wellbeing of yourself and your family.

~ 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭-𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧)

In preparation for the nationwide Health and Wellbeing Screening, the School Guidance Counsellors and Wellbeing Focal teachers of 14 Higher Secondary Schools in Dagana, Gasa, Punakha, Tsirang and Wangduephodrang Dzongkhags were oriented on the Health and Wellbeing Screening and School-based Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Care from September 19-21, 2023 at the Professional Development Centre in Tsirang. The DEOs and Principals also took part in a day-long sensitization on September 18, 2023.

The Principals, School Guidance Counsellors and Wellbeing Focal teachers are expected to roll out the Health and Wellbeing Screening in their respective schools starting next week.

Meanwhile, the Higher Secondary Schools of Thimphu Dzongkhag and Thromde, Chukha Dzongkhag and Phuntsholing Thromde, Samtse, Paro and Haa have already started administering Health and Wellbeing Screening of all Class XI and XII students. Health and Wellbeing Screening is conducted by The PEMA Secretariat in collaboration with the Department of Education Programme, MoESD. The screening is a part of The PEMA’s effort towards prevention and early identification of mental health and substance use issues.

Sherig Bhutan
Sherig Counselling Services

𝟭𝟮.𝟬𝟵.𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯
~Health and Wellbeing Screening- Western Region

The PEMA Secretariat in collaboration with the Department of Education Programme, MoESD rolled out the HWP Pilot programme in Thimphu from 17th May 2023. Around 1398 class XI students of all government and private higher secondary schools under Thimphu Thromde and Thimphu Dzongkhag took part in the self-administered online health and wellbeing screening held on May 17 and 18, 2023. Students at risk for developing mental and substance use disorders were provided brief intervention and referral services. Further students with moderate SUD were also provided with a school-based SUD treatment programme.

In preparation for the nationwide Health and Wellbeing Screening, the DEOs/TEOs, Principals, School Guidance Counsellors and Wellbeing Focal teachers of Higher Secondary Schools are being oriented on the Health and Wellbeing Screening and School-based Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Care in four different groups from September 8- October 3, 2023. The DEOs/TEOs and Principals take part in a day-long sensitization while the School Guidance Counsellors and Wellbeing Focal Persons undergo the orientation programme for three days.

The orientation for the DEO/TEOs and Principals, School Guidance Counsellors and Wellbeing Focal teachers of 20 Higher Secondary Schools in Chukha, Haa, Paro and Samtse Dzongkhags/Thromde is currently underway at Hotel Meto Pema in Phuntsholing. The orientation program started on September 12, 2023 and will go on till September 15, 2023 following which the schools will start screening all Class XI and XII students for health and wellbeing, particularly focusing on mental health and substance use.
Meanwhile, the Health and Wellbeing Screening for the Class XII Students of Thimphu Thromde and Dzongkhag started on September 12, 2023.

Sherig Bhutan
Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan
The Bhutanese
Kuensel
BBS

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Announcement

9th September 2023: We are honoured to share the wonderful news that a healthy baby girl has been born to Their Majesties, The Druk Gyalpo and Gyaltsuen today, coinciding with the 25th day of the 7th month of the Female Water Rabbit Year, in Lingkana Palace, Thimphu.

Both Her Majesty and the Royal baby are doing well.

The new-born Princess is the third child and first daughter of Their Majesties.

Their Majesties extend their heartfelt gratitude to the medical team of dedicated doctors and nurses, the Zhung Dratshang for all the prayers conducted and to everyone for their well wishes.