The PEMA

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞
𝐀 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡
4 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 2026

Two clinical counsellors from Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Jamuna Mukhia and Tashi Lham, recently embarked on their postgraduate training in India. In doing so, they carry with them the aspirations of two nations committed towards building healthier minds for brighter tomorrows.

Their departure officially brings to life the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between The PEMA Secretariat and National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), India, for establishment of institutional linkage and knowledge sharing. Its became even more significant and extraordinary when this MOU was signed in the presence of His Majesty The King, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen and the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, during the state visit on 11 November 2025.

“While it begins with the journey of the two dedicated clinical counsellors, first in Bhutan to pursue Masters in Clinical Psychology, it is a major leap for the two countries, India and Bhutan, in our shared aspirations to build strong and resilient mental healthcare system”, Dasho Dechen Wangmo, Head of The PEMA Secretariat, said. “We are immensely grateful to the Indian Embassy here in Bhutan for its invaluable partnership in making this collaboration a reality.”

The areas of cooperation under the MoU include building capacity of mental health professionals and allied professionals through long term programs and short term capacity developments. The two sides will also work together in developing in-country courses and programs for mental health workforce, as well as carry out joint research while leveraging expertise and professionals of NIMHANS.

“The PEMA family wishes the two colleagues every success and we look forward to welcoming them home soon, where I am confident that their knowledge and NIMHANS experience will touch countless lives,” Dasho Dechen Wangmo said.

India in Bhutan (Embassy of India, Thimphu)
Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital
kuenselnews
BBS
The Bhutanese

We are living in a time of extraordinary technological and social transformation. These innovations present unprecedented opportunities to advance inclusion. Having said that, NO innovation can replace the dedication, creativity, and compassion of our teachers and love of our family.

Dasho Dechen Wangmo
Head, The PEMA Secretariat

Excerpt from Keynote speech at the International Conference, Cultivating Inclusive Futures: Innovation in Special Education, RTC