Bhutan

Government responses

Mainstreaming of disability inclusion, participation, and partnerships

• [n.d.] The Technical Advisory Group for COVID-19 has engaged high-risk communities for COVID-19 prevention and control. The mapping of vulnerable groups in the communities has included older persons and persons living with comorbidities and disabilities.
• [9 April 2020] Bhutan’s COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Project, which includes persons with disabilities as stakeholders, has been announced.
• [14 April 2020] Persons with disabilities have been requested to get registered with the Ministry of Health, acknowledging the fact that they are disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
• [26 August 2020] Special movement passes have been issued to persons with disabilities.

Continued access to goods and services 

• [12 December 2020] A population mapping of persons with disabilities has been carried out to ensure that essential and emergency services could reach them without interruption.

Accessible public information

• [n.d.] The Ministry of Health provides daily updates via its Facebook page, with live press briefings aided by a sign language interpreter.

Medical and quarantine policies and processes

• [4 July 2020] Ability Bhutan Society, Draktsho, Disabled Persons’ Association of Bhutan (DPAB), National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC), and the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD) have conducted a three-day disability equality workshop for frontline workers. The participants, including health workers, Members of Parliament, and educationists, have been made aware of the needs of persons with disabilities, the proper ways to render help, and the usage of appropriate terminologies.

Last modified: 6 May 2021