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...

The need for a hospital in Pasakha in Phuentshogling has become crucial due to the growing population in the area. Recognising the need, Phuentshogling Thromde has begun the design and estimation work for the much-needed facility. Pasakha is not only home to the people of Samphelling Gewog but also serves as an industrial hub, hosting hundreds of workers. Despite having...

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...

Farmers of Tashichhoeling Gewog in Samtse, who depend on areca nut farming, are struggling with frequent elephant attacks. These elephants damage homes, threaten lives, and destroy betel nut trees, undoing years of hard work. Frustrated by the losses, the affected farmers are urging authorities to implement stronger measures and provide damage compensation caused by elephants and other wildlife. Elephants have...