LocationsTwo new digital platforms, supported by UNDP and Japan, rolled out to strengthen the medical supply chain management and enable real-time tracking of healthcare waste management.
Bhutan takes crucial digital steps for safer, greener healthcare sector
October 2, 2025
Mounting healthcare waste, especially during the COVID years, tested Bhutan's healthcare system like never before.
UNDP/Dechen Wangmo
Managing the mounting healthcare waste is set to become easier and more efficient with the launch of the Medical Waste System (mWASTE), a real-time digital platform to monitor healthcare waste, from generation to treatment and disposal. Key to improving healthcare waste management, the mWASTE will also enable better planning and support smarter resource allocation through trend analysis.
The other digital platform—the Enhanced Bhutan Electronic Medical Supply Inventory System (eBMSIS)— is designed to strengthen medical supply and inventory management, ensuring that life-saving medicines and critical supplies reach patients when and where they are needed. The platform is an updated version of the existing system. It is more robust, reliable and user-friendly, aligning with the evolving needs of the health sector.
Dr Mimi Lhamu Mynak, President of National Medical Services and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Fadhil Bakeer Markar at the launch of the digital platforms on 5 September 2025
UNDP/Dechen Wangmo
Both mWASTE and eBMSIS are integrated into the electronic Patient Information System (ePIS). These initiatives were supported through the "Project for the Improvement of Infectious Waste Management" implemented by the Ministry of Health and the National Medical Services (NMS) in partnership with UNDP and funded by the Government of Japan.
Dr Mimi Lhamu Mynak, President of National Medical Services
UNDP/Dechen Wangmo
“In the 21st century, data is the lifeblood of governance. For too long, gaps in tracking and underreporting of services, facilities, and requirements have hampered medical waste management and medical supply chains alike. The two digital initiatives address this gap,” said Dr Mimi Lhamu Mynak, President of National Medical Services.
“What makes these two digital initiatives truly exciting is their scope for integration in the future. For the first time, we will be able to link medical supply data with waste management, enabling us to predict waste generation based on supply usage. This is a paradigm shift—a move towards intelligent, predictive, and sustainable healthcare management.”
Sangay Wangmo, Head of Governance, UNDP Bhutan
UNDP/Dechen Wangmo
UNDP’s Head of Governance, Sangay Wangmo, commended the Ministry of Health’s leadership in leveraging digital technology to transform healthcare services. “We are also deeply grateful to the Government of Japan for its generous support and partnership with UNDP on this initiative. Japan’s commitment to strengthening health systems in the region has been instrumental in enabling Bhutan to adopt innovative and sustainable solutions in infectious waste management.”
With an investment of USD 2.2 million, the project to improve infectious waste management has helped Bhutan handle the surge in infectious waste during the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing sustainable solutions for safe treatment, transportation, and disposal.
UNDP/Dechen Wangmo
Beyond the COVID response, the project laid the foundation for a climate-resilient, gender-responsive, and environmentally sound health system. 112 health facilities across 15 districts have been equipped with autoclave machines for proper treatment of infectious waste before incineration or disposal, preventing infection among patients, hospital staff, and communities.
Additionally, five medical waste trucks supported for the national referral hospital and the four municipalities of Gelephu, Phuentsholing, Mongar, and Wangdue, enable the timely collection and disposal of medical waste.
The health care centre is Soe, Paro is one of the 112 hospitals equipped with autoclaves. Soe is a remote highland community and lies over 4,000 metres above sea level. The autoclaves were airlifted to ensure no remote communities are left behind.
Beyond the COVID response, the project laid the foundation for a climate-resilient, gender-responsive, and environmentally sound health system. 112 health facilities across 15 districts have been equipped with autoclave machines for proper treatment of infectious waste before incineration or disposal, preventing infection among patients, hospital staff, and communities.
Additionally, five medical waste trucks supported for the national referral hospital and the four municipalities of Gelephu, Phuentsholing, Mongar, and Wangdue, enable the timely collection and disposal of medical waste.
Healthcare and municipality waste handlers from Thimphu and neihbouring districts
UNDP/Dechen Wangmo
More than 300 waste handlers from healthcare centres, municipalities, and private waste management firms across 12 western and southern districts have been trained in proper treatment and handling of infectious waste.
The project also contributed to integrating gender considerations into healthcare waste management to address challenges related to the lack of a gender-friendly environment, including services and equipment, and limited awareness of gender equality and related issues such as sexual exploitation. This is critical given that 56% of the existing waste handlers in the hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres are women.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms Dechen Wangmo, Communications and Partnerships Analyst, E-mail: dechen.wangmo@undp.org
Related
content
content
