Programme for. Launching BHTF s Financing of Essential Drugs and Vaccines

Transcription

1 Programme for Launching BHTF s Financing of Essential Drugs and Vaccines October,

2 Friday, 9 th October Hours 0900hrs - Arrival at Paro International Airport - To be received by Protocol Officers 0940hrs - Leave for Hotel - Arrive at Hotel 1300hrs - Lunch at Hotel 1400hrs - Leave for Drugyel - Enroute visit Drugyel BHU (Guests to witness first hand; Primary Health Care at work) (Refer page 8) 1530hrs - Visit Drugyel Dzong (Refer page 8) 1830hrs - Welcome Dinner by the Secretariat, Bhutan Health Trust Fund at Hotel Zhiwaling Presentation on Bhutan s Health Systems: Dr. Ugen Dophu, Director General, Department of Medical Services Saturday, 10th October 0845hrs - Leave for National Museum - Visit National Museum (Refer page 8) 1000hrs - Drive to Taktshang View Point (Refer page 9) 1100hrs - Early Lunch at Hotel Zhiwaling 2

3 1200hrs - Leave for Paro International Airport hrs - Scenic valley flight (Flying on the wings of Royal Bhutan Airlines (Druk Air) for a full aerial tour of Bhutan) 1430hrs - Depart for Thimphu hrs - Brief Tour of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) (Refer page 10) - Refreshment at JDWNRH 1630hrs - Leave for Kuenselphodrang - Walk around Kuenselphodrang (Refer page 10) 1730hrs - Leave for Terma Linca Resorts and Spa (Refer page 13) 1900hrs - Dinner by Hon ble Minister for Health at Terma Linca Resorts and Spa Sunday, 11 th October 0715hrs - Leave for Royal Thimphu College for the Flag-off event for the Walk 0900hrs - Health Walk RTC to Clock Tower via Express way 1200hrs - Flag- in at Clock Tower 1300hrs - Lunch at Hotel Druk with the Prime Minister of Bhutan Afternoon - Programme as convenient - Quiet dinner at Terma Linca Resort and Spa 3

4 Monday, 12 th October 0830hrs - Depart for Dochula 0910hrs - Arrive at Dochula (Refer page 11) - Visit Druk Wangyel Lhakhang - Refreshment at Dochula Café 1100hrs - Take the Traditional Walking Route from Dochula to Lamperi 1300hrs - Picnic Lunch at Lamperi Royal Botanical Garden Afternoon - Walk around Royal Botanical Park 1700hrs - Halt and Dinner at Campsite Tuesday, 13 th October 0900hrs - Depart for Punakha 1030hrs - Enroute refreshment at Lobesa (Drubchu Resort) (Refer page 14) 1100hrs - Arrive at Punakha (Refer page 11) 4 - Visit Punakha Hospital (Refer page 12) - Visit Punakha Dzong (Refer page 12) 1330hrs - Lunch at Damchen Resort, Khuruthang (Refer page 14) 1430hrs - Depart for Thimphu - Enroute refreshment at Dochula Café (Refer page 11) 1730hrs - Arrive at Thimphu

5 1900hrs - Dinner at Terma Linca Resort and Spa (To be joined by Health Officials) Wednesday, 14 th October 0900hrs - Leave for Convention Center 0910hrs - Arrive at Convention Center - All Guest to be seated 1000hrs - Arrival of Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay, Hon ble Prime Minister of Bhutan - Marchang Ceremony 1020hrs - Welcome Address by Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk, Chairperson of Bhutan Health Trust Fund (BHTF) 1030hrs - Overview of Bhutan Health Trust Fund by Director, BHTF 1050hrs - Keynote address by Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay, Hon ble Prime Minister of Bhutan 1110hrs - Launching BHTF s financing of Essential Drugs and Vaccines 1140hrs - Vote of thanks by Dr. Dorji Wangchuk, Hon ble Secretary, Ministry of Health - Refreshment followed by Lunch Afternoon - Programme as convenient 1800hrs - Cultural Programme and Dinner by Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay, Hon ble Prime Minister at Royal Institute of Tourism and Hospitality 5

6 Thursday, 15 th October - Leave for Paro - Arrive at Paro International Airport - To be seen off by the Health Secretary 6

7 Flying to Bhutan There are two airlines that operate in Bhutan. Drukair is owned by the Royal Government of Bhutan and operates to 10 international destinations. Bhutan Airlines is a privately owned airline which began operations in 2013 and operates to 4 international destinations today. Flying to Bhutan provide travelers with a breathtaking view of beautiful snowcapped mountains, valleys and rivers. Please be warned that landing at Paro International Airport can be a treacherous experience, especially for people travelling to Bhutan for the first time. It can be exciting at the same time. Paro Valley Paro valley is situated in the north-western part of the country from the confluence of the Paro Chhu and the Wang Chhu rivers at Chuzom upto Mt. Jomolhari at the Tibetan border to the North. The temperature ranges from 26 to 14 degree Celsius in summer and 14 to minus 5 during winter. It has about 65 % of forest coverage and the rest arable land suitable for agriculture and horticulture. Within the valley, there is a good road network, and some farm roads besides bridges which connect the villages with the main town in Tshongdue. Tshongdue is 15 minutes drive from Paro International Airport. Paro Dzong The construction of the Paro Dzong began in 1644 on the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of modern day Bhutan. The full name of the dzong is Rinpung Dzong which means the fortress of the heap of jewels. The Dzong is approached by a gently sloping flagstone road and an attractive wooden cantilever bridge roofed with shingles and abutted by two guard houses. The Dzong today is the administrative seat of the Paro district and also houses the state monastic community. 7

8 Drugyal Basic Health Unit II Basic Health Units in Bhutan were constructed mainly to provide primary health care services focusing mainly on prevention and promotion and also provide curative services. It is the first level of contact of individual, family and community with health system. Drugyal BHU II under Tsento gewog in Paro district caters population of 6007 with 1015 households. Currently, BHU is staffed with two staff and one caretaker. Paro Ta Dzong (National Museum) National Museum is located at the top of the hill above Paro Rinpung Dzong. It is a round building which was used as a watch tower to defend from enemies in ancient times. Originally built in 1656, the Museum suffered damage by earthquake in 2009 and The museum has an impressive collection of thangkas, relics of religious significance and stamps. One can enjoy a splendid view of Paro Tshongdue (town) and Ugyen Pelri Palace from the Dzong. Drugyal Dzong Drugyal Dzong located at Phondey village in Paro was built to commemorate the victory of the Bhutanese over allied Tibet-Mongol forces. Drugyal means the fortress of the victorious Drukpas. The Dzong was built on a strategic hillock accessible only from one side and defended by three prominent towers. This Dzong was the foremost defensive fortification 8

9 against Tibetan invasions. Though the Dzong was destroyed by fire in 1951, the massive ruins still retain a measure of their former grandeur. The fortress ground is a popular picnic spot amongst tourists and locals alike. Taktshang Monastery Taktshang Monastery is an important religious site and an iconic landmark in Bhutan. It is also known as the Tiger s Nest. The temple clings to a steep cliff of 800 meters above Paro valley. It was first built in 1962 at a cave where Guru Rimpoche (Lotus born Buddhist Master) meditated in the 7 th century A.D. According to legend, Guru Rimpoche flew to the site on the back of a tigress and meditated in the cave in order to subdue evil demons inflicting harm on residents in the region. Taktshang Monastery is located approximately 10 kilometers to north of Paro town at an altitude of 3,120 meters. To reach the temple, visitors must trek for around 2-3 hours through pine forests and no trip to Bhutan is considered complete without a visit to this heritage site. Thimphu Thimphu, the Kingdom s capital city is home to approximately 100,000 inhabitants including the Royal family. Thimphu is the main center of commerce, religion and government in the country. It takes approximately an hour to reach Thimphu from Paro International Airport with 54 kilometers. Thimphu is the most developed city in Bhutan with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers. The city has witnessed progress while having its cultural identity and values intact. 9

10 Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) Jigme Dorji National Referral Hospital is a tertiary health care service. It is the apex institution providing specialty and sub specialty health care services in the country. The hospital has been named after the third king of Bhutan His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The hospital caters to the population of in Thimphu Dzongkhag and also the non-referred patients from neighboring Dzongkhags and referred cases from the 20 Dzongkhag hospitals. Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Point) Buddha Dordenma is gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue under construction at Kuenselphodrang popularly known as Buddha point. It is about 6 kilometers from the capital city and is popular place to bike and walk. Upon completion, the 169 feet bronze Buddha Dordenma will be the tallest Buddha statue in the world. Royal Botanical Park, Lamperi The Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi is home to different species of rhododendrons, birds and animals. Here, the guests can experience a part of Bhutan s rich biodiversity and first hand connection to nature. With a lake, camping ground, trekking routes and numerous view points, the park is a paradise for nature lovers. Tourists and locals enjoy camping at this site. 10

11 Dochula Pass and Druk Wangyal Chortens Dochula pass is located on the way to Punakha from Thimphu. It is located 22.5 kilomoters away from Thimphu and takes about an hour to get there. The pass is a popular tourist attraction as it offers a stunning panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass. Known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens- the construction of 108 chortens was commissioned by the Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. The pass is also a popular spiritual destination for both locals and tourists because an important temple is located on the crest of Dochula pass. The Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple) was built in honor of His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Druk Wangyal Cafe, Dochula Druk Wangyal Cafe is located right next to Druk Wangyal Chortens and is a pleasant place to rest before driving towards Punakha. Since the place is mostly foggy and chilly, a warm cup of coffee/tea with snacks at this cafe is perfect before setting out to one s destination. The cafe is surrounded by a wide array of spectacular trees and one can also visit the small handicraft shop at the cafe. Punakha Valley Punakha valley is located at an elevation of about 3900 ft above sea level and is relatively much warmer in comparison to regions of Northern Bhutan. The temperature varies from 11

12 35 degree Celsius during summers to -4 degree Celsius during winters. The altitude ranges from 1200 metres to 4800 metres. The valley is well known for agriculture products such as rice, vegetables and seasonal fruits. Punakha Hospital Punakha Hospital is the secondary level of health care service. It is a 20 bedded hospital catering to a population of about corresponding to a total of 4411 households. There is a total of 68 staff in various capacities which includes staff in administrative positions as well. Visiting the hospital would provide an understanding of the functions and services provided at the district level. Punakha Dzong The few minutes drive along the banks of Punatshangchhu (where the two rivers Pho-chu and Mo-chhu meet) from Lobesa takes one to Punakha Dzong. The Punakha Dzong (fortress) stands on the confluence of Pho-chhu (male river) and Mo-chhu (female river) and is one of the highlights of the place. It is the second largest dzong in Bhutan and is of historic significance for the country. It served as the capital from 1637 to Information on Hotels and Resorts Zhiwa Ling Hotel, Paro Zhiwa Ling Hotel is located in Satsam Chorten, Paro and can be reached within fifteen minutes drive from Paro town. The hotel takes pride in the handmade stonework to the wooden columns, cornices and beams which were created by talented artisans. In Bhutan, it stands as an epitome of traditional 12

13 designs infused with modern amenities. The hotel houses wonderful restaurants, a tea house, a bar, a meditation house and their massages are worth experiencing. Nak-sel Boutique Hotel and Spa, Paro The hotel is located in the beautiful Ngoba village in Paro. It takes around 15 minutes to get to the hotel from Paro town while passing through apple orchards, rice fields and traditional Bhutanese houses. Nestled on the edge of the forest, guests can enjoy profound peace where one can just sit back and absorb the beauty around. The rich traditional architecture of the hotel, locally crafted furniture and the tapered mud-brick walls will truly enable guests to connect to the surrounding nature and experience the true meaning of the word nak-sel, which means forest. On a clear weather, one can view Jumolhari mountain which is one of the highest mountains in Bhutan. Terma Linca Resort and Spa, Thimphu Terma Linca Resort and Spa is a luxury resort located within 10 minutes drive from Thimphu City. The guests can enjoy traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath and wide range of massages. The traditional hot stone bath is especially recommended as a variety of seasonal herbs are used and selected river stones are heated to be placed in the wooden tub. The resort has a well equipped fitness center. The restaurants at the resort serve both international and Bhutanese cuisine. 13

14 Drubchhu Resort, Lobesa Drunchhu Resort in Lobesa is on the way to the main administrative center of Punakha district. Approximately located 38 kilometers from Dochula, it takes around an hour and a half to get there. It overlooks the rich paddy fields in the valley and traditional farm houses. The resort is well known for using organic produce which are grown on their own premises and grown by the villagers nearby as well. The place is perfect to relax and have endless conversations over a cup of tea/coffee whilst enjoying the exquisite scenery around. Damchen Resort, Punakha Damchen resort is conveniently located in Punakha town along the banks of Punatshangchhu. The entrance to the resort is adorned with bursts of pink bougainvilleas which exudes a welcoming and a calming atmosphere. The design and the architecture of the hotel is simple and elegant. Located in the heart of Punakha, the resort takes pride in the beautiful view from all sides of the resort. Travel information Weather and Clothing October is one of the best months to visit Bhutan. The month of October in Thimphu, Paro and Punakha is generally moderate with possibility of rain at times with chilly mornings and nights. Temperature ranges from 8 degree celsius to 23 14

15 degree celsius in these areas. Warm clothes to brace chilly mornings and evenings while appropriate clothing for warm afternoons are recommended. Packing appropriate wear for hiking/walking, field trips and formal wear for dinners is advisable. Please be sure to pack comfortable walking/hiking shoes for the walk from Dochula to Lamperi and the health walk. Bug repellant spray/cream and sun screen are highly recommended for the trip. Roads The motorable roads in Thimphu, Paro and Punakha in most areas are well maintained. However, the road condition from Dochula to Lobesa is lumpy at the moment due to widening works. Therefore, guests would experience bumpy ride from Dochula to Punakha. The beautiful scenery is expected to make up for the inconveniences faced. There are no trains in Bhutan owing to our geographical terrain. Meals and refreshment Meals and refreshment for the guests have been arranged at appropriate designated places. Health Health care services can be accessed from the health centers in any of the places that will be visited. The protocol officers assigned will assist the guests in case of any health issues. Language Although Dzongkha is the national language, a majority of the Bhutanese population can understand and speak basic English. 15

16 Important contact numbers: Health Help Center (Ambulance) 112 Traffic Police 111 Fire 110 Crime 113 Officials contact numbers: Health Secretary Director General, Department of Medical Services Director, Department of Public Health Director, Bhutan Health Trust Fund Mr. Dorji Phub, Chief, Health Promotion Division Mr. Dawa Gyeltshen Bhutan Health Trust Fund Ms. Pem Zam, Liaison Officer Mr. Sangay Tenzin, Protocol Mr. Pema Tobgay, Protocol