On 17 May 2025, WHO Representative to Bhutan, Dr Bhupinder Kaur Aulakh, delivered a keynote address on the economics of Sowa Rigpa during the 2nd National Sorig Conference. She emphasized that Sowa Rigpa is not only an integral part of Bhutan’s healthcare system but also a contributor to the national economy.
Dr Aulakh focused on two dimensions of Sowa Rigpa: as a medical system and as a wellness concept. She noted its complementary role alongside allopathic medicine and its potential for employment generation through institutions like Menjong Sorig Pharmaceuticals, which supports traditional pharmacies with herbal products.
She underscored the need for rigorous documentation and research to build evidence on the effectiveness of traditional medicine, especially with the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine located in the WHO South-East Asia Region, offering opportunities for cross-learning.
Highlighting its potential in wellness tourism, Dr Aulakh advocated for greater collaboration between the health and tourism sectors, particularly in the context of emerging initiatives like the Gelephu Mindfulness City. She also called for sustainable herb harvesting, promotion of cultivation, and intersectoral collaboration with agencies such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources.
Finally, she stressed the importance of quality assurance, international standards compliance, and ongoing research.
WHO continues to support the Department of Traditional Medicine Services through the development of wellness therapies, medicinal plant mapping, and infrastructure enhancements to improve care quality and patient privacy.