Medical history of Bhutan : chronicle of health & disease from bon times to today.
- 2nd ed.
- Thimphu : Centre for Research Initiatives Changangkha, 2018.
- xxiii, 355 p. : ill. ; 21 cm.
The medical History of Bhutan is a chronicle of medical practices, public health, and political health initiatives in Bhutan from the earliest times to the present day. The book is an inquiry into written evidence about the heritage of medical practices and of health systems development in Bhutan. It presents the origin of traditional medicine, describes ritual healing and tells the story of the introduction of modern medicine in Bhutan. The book is the only available history of health and medicine in the Kingdom. Because of the introduction of western style medicine was so recent, many of those who led the way during its early development, its expansion, its institutionalization, and its co-existence with GS-baRig-pa, have provided their personal account of the early modern period. This second edition has been much expanded, and now includes a large number of illustrations many of which have been found only recently. It is more than a medical story; it provides insight into many aspects of Bhutanese traditions, culture and life. Three of the foremost Bhutanese storytellers give their contributions to the perception of health and illness among the Bhutanese. It also gives an updated description of the latest developments of medical institutions, medical training, medical polices , and the general state of the health of the Bhutanese people. With the publication of this volume, the story of the past and the present is preserved for future generations.