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Faculty of Nursing and Public Health

Faculty of Nursing and Public Health

BACKGROUND

The Faculty of Nursing and Public Health (FNPH) is a prominent constituent faculty within the esteemed Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan (KGUMSB). It has a history dating back to 1974, when it was first established as the “Health School”. In 1989, it underwent a significant upgrade and was renamed as the Royal Institute of Health Sciences (RIHS), marking a pivotal milestone it its journey. As a testament to its excellence, the RIHS became one of the founding member colleges of the prestigious Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) in 2003. Subsequently, in 2013 it was renamed as the Faculty of Nursing and Public Health under the umbrella of the KGUMSB.

The faculty has grown exponentially over the years, from a humble beginning with nine students in one certificate program (in a one room classroom) to nearly 600 students. The faculty offers 17 courses from diploma to bachelor’s programs and also offers Nursing Specialty Certificate programs in various Nursing Specialty and other Public Health and Allied Health certificate courses. Today, the Faculty stands as leading provider of healthcare education in Bhutan, embodying a legacy of academic distinction and dedication to public health.

The Faculty of Nursing and Public Health offers a wide range of programs in nursing, public health, and allied health sciences. Its mission is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become competent, committed, and compassionate healthcare professionals who can contribute to improving the health of individuals, families, and communities. 

The FNPH offers a diverse range of programs designed to equip students with comprehensive clinical skills and knowledge essential for patient care. These programs emphasize the importance of health promotion, disease prevention, and health education, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to make a positive impact on individuals and communities.

In addition to its core programs in nursing and public health, the faculty also offers a variety of specialized programs that focus on research, health systems, epidemiology, environmental health, and health policy. Students have the opportunity to engage in practical experiences, research endeavors, and community-based initiatives, enabling them to translate their knowledge into real-world impact. These programs explore critical aspects of public health, equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to understand and address complex health challenges, develop evidence-based strategies, and contribute to the improvement of healthcare systems and policies.

The Faculty of Nursing and Public Health (FNPH) plays a critical role in producing skilled healthcare professionals who can meet the growing demand for quality healthcare services in Bhutan. By integrating both clinical and public health disciplines, the faculty aims to produce well-rounded professionals who are equipped to excel in diverse healthcare settings.

The graduates of the FNPH play a pivotal role in managing and providing health services across the country, from the National and Regional Referral Hospitals, district hospitals, to Primary Health Centers (PHCs), and various programs under the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Dzongkhag Health Sectors.

Milestone

  • 1982 started training of General Nurse Midwife and Medical Technicians for hospitals
  • 1989 upgraded as The Royal Institute of Health Sciences  (RIHS)
  • 1999 celebrated Silver Jubilee
  • 2001 started 2 year Bachelors in Nursing conversion course in collaboration with La Trobe University, Australia. 3 (52) batches graduated.
  • 2003 became a member college/institute of the Royal University of Bhutan.
  • 2008 delinked from MOH
  • 2010 started 2 year Bachelors in Public Health
  • 2012 started 2 year Bachelors in Nursing and Midwifery course
  • 2013 became Faculty of Nursing and Public Health under the newly established University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan
  • 2014 started 2 year  Bachelors of Science in Nurse Anesthesia.