The Eastern Regional Health Research Centre (ERHRC) was officially inaugurated by the Dasho Dzongdag of Mongar Dzongkhag, marking a significant milestone for the Eastern Regional Referral Hospital (ERRH) and the broader eastern region.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Dasho Drangpon, Dasho Dzongrab, directors from the National Medical Services (NMS) and the Medical Education Council for Research and Innovation (MECRIT) under KGUMSB, along with doctors and unit in-charges.
In his address, Dasho Dzongdag praised the establishment of the ERHRC as a crucial step toward evidence-based decision-making in patient care, public health preparedness, health system strengthening, and the professional development of healthcare workers. The Director of MECRIT delivered a detailed presentation on the center’s objectives, strategies to advance health research in Bhutan, and practical solutions to existing challenges.
Dr. Kinzang Dorji, Orthopedic Surgeon and research focal person at ERRH, provided an overview of Mongar’s research landscape, noting over 15 recent research publications and expressing confidence that the new center would further accelerate progress.
The ERHRC is poised to deepen the understanding of region-specific diseases, healthcare practices, and social and environmental health determinants, enabling the development of equitable and responsive health policies. Its establishment underscores the growing recognition of research as a cornerstone of evidence-based healthcare.
While challenges such as infrastructure, funding, and research incentives persist, strong support from MECRIT and ERRH’s institutional commitment as both a teaching hospital and the apex health center in eastern Bhutan will be instrumental in fostering a research-driven culture. Through training, collaboration, and capacity-building, the ERHRC will not only produce locally relevant evidence but also empower healthcare professionals and students to contribute meaningfully to Bhutan’s national health goals.
This initiative represents a transformative step toward a more data-informed and resilient healthcare system in the region.
