Topographical Challenges and Medicine Delivery

Dr. Samir Patel (RTC) as part of a presentation on the environment in Bhutan, also spoke of the topography of Bhutan. The lowest point was stated to be 100m and the highest point reaches 7,600m above sea level. This causes many problems during the winter. A national highway system was developed during the first five-year plan from 1961-1972.

As a student of medicine, this caused me concern. If the roads are covered in snow and doctors or commercial vehicles cannot pass through, then safety is not prioritized. Specifically, I intend on studying in the R&D sector of pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceutical drugs are already expensive as is, and the delivery of medicine is even more difficult. All medicine has a “shelf life.” This dictates the time until medicine becomes no longer effective. If there are no viable medicines in remote villages, people have a higher chance to become sick. The topographical challenges Bhutan faces must be addressed for the safety of their remote villages and the community within.

Storage of medicine is a more realistic way to deplete the risk of snow blockages. Although medicine has a shelf life, if it is kept in very low temperatures, the medicine will last longer. Fridges should be installed in order to keep medicine stored safely. Large freezers can be placed in remote villages to make medicine storage possible. This will allow people in remote locations to be less vulnerable about medicine availability when winter conditions make mountainous roads impassable.

Nicholas S