PM Modi Unveils Cutting-edge Medical Center in Thimphu

Tags: International Relations International News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay jointly inaugurated Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital in Bhutan's capital Thimphu.

An Overview of the News

• This hospital is an example of the strong development cooperation between India and Bhutan.

• The hospital has a state-of-the-art 150-bed facility built with Indian assistance.

• Built in two phases, the first phase costing ₹22 crore became operational in 2019, while the second phase, completed recently, was undertaken as part of Bhutan’s 12th Five Year Plan at a cost of ₹119 crore.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

• Prime Minister Modi’s visit aims to bolster the unique and long-standing friendship between India and Bhutan.

• During his visit, PM Modi met with Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and held talks with Prime Minister Tobgay.

Recognition and Support

• The King of Bhutan confers the prestigious ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’ on PM Modi, making him the first foreign Head of Government to receive this honor.

• India pledges ₹10,000 crore in support to Bhutan over the next five years, reinforcing the enduring partnership between the two nations.

About Bhutan:

Capital- Thimphu

King - Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk

Currencies - Bhutanese Ngultrum, Indian Rupee

Official language- Dzongkha