The Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Center and the Medical Education Centre for Research, Innovation and Training (MECRIT), KGUMSB, in collaboration with the Heart Center, JDWNRH, successfully conducted a comprehensive 3-day national training workshop titled “ACS Network Strengthening & Basic Echocardiography for RHD Detection” from 22nd to 24th May 2025.
The primary objective of the training was to build the capacity of district-level doctors in the early recognition, diagnosis, and management of cardiovascular diseases, particularly Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD).
Course Director Dr. Mahesh Gurung, Interventional Cardiologist, led the workshop which trained 30 General Duty Medical Officers (GDMOs) from across Bhutan. The participants engaged in a combination of interactive lectures, clinical case discussions, and hands-on practical sessions focusing on: Early recognition and management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), Basic echocardiographic techniques for detecting Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) and Strengthening referral linkages in the national STEMI care network
Key sessions were conducted by a multidisciplinary team comprising Bhutanese cardiologists, cardiovascular medical officers, and echo sonographers, along with international experts including Dr. Sanjiv Asorta (Professor & Head of Cardiology, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla), Dr. Michael Gilson, and Dr. Roy Korn (Experts from United States of America).
The closing session was graced by Dr. Kuenzang Wangdi, Director of the Department of Clinical Services, who congratulated the participants and acknowledged the contributions of the resource team. He emphasized the importance of applying the knowledge and skills gained to improve patient care and to strengthen cardiovascular services at the primary health care level.
