25th August 2025ย โ The Registrar and a team of officials from the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan (KGUMSB) hosted representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)ย Bhutan Office led by Mr. Yoichiro Kimata, Chief Representative of JICA Bhutan Office, accompanied by five experts on infectious diseasesย lead by Dr. Hidetoshi Nomoto, to discuss avenues for collaboration in clinical education and infectious disease training.
During the meeting, both parties reviewed the current status of collaboration in clinical education with existing hospitals and medical education in the field of infectious diseases at KGUMSB. Discussions also highlighted the role of teaching hospitals in clinical practice and training, the future utilization of the Regional Centre for Infectious Diseases (RCID) as a teaching hospital after its completion, and potential medical and public health training programs that could be conducted at the RCID.
The meeting further explored curriculum development and module design for Bhutanโs medical education in infectious diseases, drawing reference from Japanโs medical education system.
Both sides underscored the importance of enhancing teaching hospital capacities, strengthening medical curricula, and building staff capacity. KGUMSB and JICA reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts in infectious disease education, clinical practices, curriculum development, and faculty development.
This partnership is expected to make a significant contribution to strengthening Bhutanโs medical education system and preparedness in infectious disease management, drawing on the expertise and experience of both Bhutanese and Japanese counterparts.
