For too long, this tiny Himalayan nation’s success was measured on the basis of not an economic index but a philosophical one called Gross National Happiness. Government data from 2020 shows that the country has a chronic shortage of healthcare, with only 376 doctors in the total health workforce of nearly 6,000. Today, the country of 763,000 people—which is a little over the entire population of the American capital city of Washington D.C.—is an unlikely success story. “[Bhutan’s vaccination drive] was not to make news around the world, but to ensure that we deal with the pandemic in the best manner possible,” Namgay Zam, a senior independent journalist in Bhutanese capital Thimphu, told VICE World News. The worldwide recognition, Zam added, came because nobody expected it from this tiny South Asian country.Government data from 2020 shows that the country has a chronic shortage of healthcare, with only 376 doctors in the total health workforce of nearly 6,000.
Prominent Buddhist leader Je Khenpo presided over a prayer after the Bhutanese district of Lhuentse recieved 9,700 doses of Covishield last month. Photo: Facebook/PMO Bhutan
“I believe the reason might be that we have not only dedicated health workers but also their services are put to prudent and optimum use compared to the rest of the world,” he added.“Bhutan has always had something to share with the rest of the world.”
COVID-19 statistics as of April 15. Graphics courtesy: Facebook/ Ministry of Health, Bhutan
Local news reports showed desuups walking for days through snow to take the vaccines to people living in higher altitudes. Desuups also assist the armed forces in various parts of the country in border patrol as well. “Thousands of Bhutanese became available to be mobilised in various capacities overnight, thanks to this royal initiative,” said Zam.“Thousands of Bhutanese became available to be mobilised in various capacities overnight, thanks to this royal initiative.”
Bhutan's first vaccine recipient was a 30-year-old nurse who was chosen in an auspicious ceremony. Photo: Facebook/PMO-Bhutan
At the same time, Bhutan’s king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, had very early on announced that he will get vaccinated only once every eligible citizen is vaccinated. “The idea of serving others before yourself, especially people most in need, is a fundamental concept in Bhutanese culture,” said Yangden. “His decision to get vaccinated later is a symbolic gesture that demonstrates [the king’s] desire to put everyone’s safety before his own.” The king also dolled out several initiatives at this time, such as loan deferrals and royal cash grants to the unemployed and economically affected. The vaccination drive also gave space for Bhutanese enforcement agencies to observe traditions. For instance, the date of kickstarting the vaccination on March 27 was done through astrological consultations with Buddhist monks. Several visuals from the vaccine drives show monks chanting and lighting lamps. In fact, the first person—a 30-year-old nurse—to be vaccinated was chosen as a woman born in the Year of the Monkey.“The idea of serving others before yourself, especially people most in need, is a fundamental concept in Bhutanese culture.”
People queue up to get vaccinated in Bhutan. Photo: Facebook/PMO-Bhutan
Some South Asian governments have come under the scanner for cracking down on the media that criticised its COVID-19 response. In Bhutan, criticism is hard to find. A 2014 survey by the Journalists Association of Bhutan showed that out of around 100 reporters across the country, 58 percent find it “unsafe” to cover critical stories. A 2019 survey found that hundreds of journalists are leaving the country because of, among other factors, censorship and threats. Zam, who previously faced a libel lawsuit for her reporting, and was a part of a landmark case of press freedom in the country, said that this time, journalists had nothing to criticise in the government’s pandemic response. “Our media enjoyed good access to information during the pandemic,” she said. “The government has been transparent and proactive.”For now, the battle is far from over, as neighbouring countries see an alarming second wave, and India runs out of vaccines for its own people and countries such as Bhutan for second doses. “There is fear of importing a new variant of the virus and questions about whether India will have enough vaccines, particularly second doses, to grant or sell to Bhutan,” said Yangden. Despite the success, Yangden added—in true Bhutanese spirit—“Bhutan will not be safe until our neighbours are too.” Follow Pallavi Pundir on Twitter.Some South Asian governments have come under the scanner for cracking down on the media that criticised its COVID-19 response. In Bhutan, criticism is hard to find.
