Bhutan’s mother-and-child healthcare gets a boost

THMIPHU – The Ministry of Health (MoH) launched the ‘Accelerating Maternal and Child Health Programme’ (AMCHP) on February 21 to improve the health and well-being of mothers and children in the country.

The initiative will enhance maternal and child health outcomes by ensuring better access to healthcare services, particularly during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.

Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk inaugurated the programme alongside government officials, development partners, and key stakeholders.

The AMCHP will improve the utilisation of maternal, neonatal, child health, and nutrition services across all districts in the country.

Through increased awareness and engagement, the programme will promote positive health-seeking behaviour among expectant mothers, ensuring they receive the necessary care from conception until their child reaches two years of age.

“AMCHP is a milestone in Bhutan’s commitment to achieving better maternal and child health outcomes,” said Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk. “The programme underscores the importance of the first 1,000 days of life, a period that lays the foundation for a child’s growth and development.”

A key feature of the programme is the provision of conditional cash transfers to socially and economically vulnerable women, helping them access essential maternal and child healthcare.

Pregnant women who regularly attend hospital check-ups will receive financial assistance that could amount to nearly Nu 49,000 by the time their child turns two. They will be entitled to Nu 1,500 per hospital visit, easing their financial burden.

The incentive-based approach encourages timely antenatal and postnatal visits, improving birth outcomes and helping to reduce maternal and child mortality rates.

For mothers in rural and remote areas, where healthcare access remains a challenge, this financial support is particularly significant.

Lyonpo emphasised that AMCHP is designed to leave no one behind, ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations have equitable access to essential maternal and child health services.

Apart from providing direct healthcare benefits, the programme takes a holistic approach by encouraging women to open and manage savings bank accounts.

This financial empowerment element aims to foster greater economic independence among women, reinforcing the idea that maternal and child health is not just a government priority but a shared responsibility of families, communities, and the nation as a whole.

The Japan Social Development Fund provided a USD 2.8 million grant to finance the programme, with the World Bank playing a crucial role in mobilising the funds.

“AMCHP aligns with Bhutan’s broader health sector goals and international sustainable development targets, ensuring that every mother and child receives the care they deserve during the most critical period of life,” said Lyonpo.