Country Capacity and Accomplishments and Application of the Policy Options Framework(cont...)

Bhutan

Key Policy Options and Strategic Actions

Assess

* Develop a national NCD surveillance system. While some initial efforts are evident, little has

been done toward a national system. Vital registration for mortality needs to be expanded

beyond hospital, and morbidity and risk factors need institutionalization. In addition, a strategy

for injury surveillance is needed. Public and private institutions must be tapped to support

surveillance efforts. The risk factor surveillance system needs to expand to cover alcohol and

betel nut use.

Plan

* Adequately resource the recently adopted national NCD policy. Resources, both financial and

trained human resources, will be needed.

Develop and Implement

* Strengthen tobacco control efforts. A very strong policy is in place but needs more effective

enforcement.

* Enforce the numerous existing alcohol use and sale regulations.

* Retool health services delivery. Both the number of worker and the type of skill sets need to be expanded to improve outcomes. Facilities need to be equipped with basic diagnostic and

management infrastructure and essential NCD drugs should be available and accessible,

especially for the poor.

Evaluate

* Create capacity to evaluate programs and policy. The tobacco policy and the two NCD pilots

need evaluation to develop an evidence base. Likewise, the new NCD policy needs to be

monitored and evaluted.