BBSCL

The National Health Survey 2023 reveals that areca nut consumption among Bhutanese aged 15 to 69 rose to nearly 60 per cent last year, marking a three per cent increase since 2019. The health ministry attributes the rise to the product being cheap, easily available and culturally accepted in the country. To address this, the ministry plans to introduce measures...

With the country’s elderly population projected to double by 2047, concerns about age-friendly infrastructure, accessible healthcare, and public services have become pressing issues. Two months ago, the Cabinet Secretariat organised a multi-sectoral workshop supported by the United Nations Population Fund to develop action plans for Senior Citizen Policy. To garner support, the Royal Society for Senior Citizens conducted a high-level...

The health ministry said they are closely monitoring the situation regarding Mpox along the country’s borders. The ministry has strengthened surveillance at airports and border areas, ensuring that health facilities are prepared to detect and manage potential cases. Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organisation in August. Nepal...

Non-performing loans or NPLs with the financial institutions surged to a staggering more than Nu 8bn by October this year. This is a jump of over Nu 1.16bn in just a year. Of the sectors, trade & commerce tops the list while the forestry and logging sector saw a sharp decline. Any loans that are overdue by 91 days or...