Bhutan has made remarkable progress in maternal health, reducing maternal mortality from over 1,000 per 100,000 live births in the 1980s to under 90 by the 2020s. Free healthcare and expanded access to skilled birth attendants have driven the improvement.
Overview
Bhutan's progress in maternal health is one of its most impressive development achievements.[3][1] The maternal mortality ratio has fallen dramatically — from over 1,000 per 100,000 live births in the 1980s to below 90 by the 2020s — driven by the expansion of free healthcare, trained birth attendants, and improved rural health infrastructure.
Key Factors
- Free healthcare for all citizens including prenatal care and facility-based delivery
- Training of skilled birth attendants posted at Basic Health Units across the country
- Construction of district hospitals with maternity wards in all 20 dzongkhags
- The JDWNRH national referral hospital for complicated cases
Remaining Challenges
Geographic barriers remain the primary challenge — women in remote highland areas may be hours or days from the nearest health facility, particularly during monsoon season when roads are blocked by landslides.
References
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