Our Story
Globally, mental health has often been overshadowed by other pressing health sector priorities, despite being an integral part of the overall wellbeing. In Bhutan, the Covid-19 pandemic brought this concern to light as Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen personally encountered the limitations of Bhutan’s mental health system through Her interactions with vulnerable individuals such as victims of domestic violence, mental health patients, and children in difficult circumstances. These sobering experiences served as the stimulus for Her Majesty to envision a stronger, more resilient mental health framework for the nation, setting in motion critical reforms.
In June 2022, The PEMA Secretariat was inaugurated by Her Majesty to drive this transformative endeavour forward. As the nodal agency for mental health, The PEMA Secretariat is tasked with leading Bhutan’s mental health agenda through strategic leadership, evidence-based solutions, and a comprehensive approach to care.
The PEMA represents the Lotus, embodying hope and resilience. Just as the Lotus blossoms, unstained by the murky water that it grows from, The PEMA reckons that individuals enduring mental health challenges have inherent potential to thrive in spite of the adversities. Under the benevolent leadership of Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, The PEMA resolves to create a society that promotes the wellbeing of all Bhutanese.
Our Mission
A society that promotes the well-being of all Bhutanese, supported by enabling mental health policies and programs, transformative multi-sectoral partnerships, and a proactive service delivery network.
Our Mandates
1.
Proactive and Responsive Mental Health Service Delivery Networks
The PEMA aims to establish and maintain a network of mental health services that are proactive and responsive to the needs of the Bhutanese population. This includes ensuring accessibility, quality, and timely delivery of mental health care services across the country through infrastructure development, human resource development and forming robust partnerships and networks.
2.
Enabling Mental Health System
The PEMA seeks to strengthen the overall mental health system in Bhutan. This involves routine engagement in review of policies and programmes for harmonization of efforts and services, resource mobilization and building robust information systems, thereby creating a supportive environment for mental health initiatives to thrive.
3.
Multisectoral Collaboration and Coordination
Recognizing the interconnected nature of mental health with various sectors of society, The PEMA facilitates partnerships among governmental departments, non-governmental organizations, community groups, and other stakeholders. This approach aims to integrate mental health into broader health and development agendas.
4.
Active Advocacy and Awareness on Prevention and Promotion of Mental Health
The PEMA is committed to advocating for mental health issues and raising awareness about prevention and promotion strategies. This includes educating the public, reducing the stigma associated with mental health conditions, and promoting positive mental well-being across all segments of Bhutanese society through a life course approach.
The PEMA Secretariat
The PEMA Secretariat has four core pillars and additional Secretarial services, including Legal Services, ICT Services, quality assurance and Administration/HR and Finance. The Secretariat is mandated to promote mental health, prevent mental health conditions, strengthen social protection, and provide rehabilitation and reintegration services through a continuum of care approach.