Queen Jetsun Pema opens mental health hospital

Queen Jetsun Pema has opened the PEMA Centre, a mental health hospital.

The Queen of Bhutan is the new hospital’s patron, and she previously said, “Mental health will have the national priority it deserves.”

Photo: Royal Office of Bhutan

During the 2024 Closing Ceremony of the PEMA Symposium on Mental Health, she said, “Bhutan is witnessing a disturbing rise in suicide rates, a multifaceted challenge profoundly impacting families and communities. Key contributing factors include mental health struggles, societal pressures, limited access to resources, and unfortunately, various forms of bullying. It is painful to see anyone in our community feeling alone in their struggles. We must build bridges, not walls, making sure everyone knows help is available. Losing even a single life to suicide is a collective failure on our part.”

She added, “To those who have experienced the pain of these challenges, remember that you are not alone. Your courage in sharing your journey lights the way for others and inspires us to do better. To the educators, counsellors, health workers, and mental health advocates who work tirelessly, thank you for your steadfast commitment. By engaging in these critical conversations, you are not only raising awareness but driving change. You are the pillars of hope for many in need.”

The new PEMA Centre will bring together outpatient, inpatient and day-care services under one roof, along with child protection services. It has a dedicated clinic for children and adolescents, a structured programme for addiction recovery, and specialised inpatient units, including a closed ward for patients in crisis.