Joint Press Release : KGUMSB and JICA Bhutan to Host Research Presentation by JICA-Sponsored PhD Scholars
The Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan and the JICA Bhutan Office are jointly organizing a research presentation by three KGUMSB faculty members who completed their higher studies in Japan under JICA support through JICA-KGUMSB Technical Cooperation project (TCP). The event will be held on 26th August 2026 in the Conference Hall, KGUMSB, JDWNRH Complex from 2:00 PM onwards.
Dr. Phurpa, Assistant Professor and Clinical Physiologist at the Faculty of Undergraduate Medicine, KGUMSB, completed his PhD in Molecular Cardiovascular Physiology from the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine,Oita University, the partner Institution of KGUMSB,where he undertook a research project titled “In Vivo Visualization and Pharmacological Modulation of Cardiac Extracellular Adenosine Dynamics in a Zebrafish Heart Failure Models.”The study elucidated the role of purinergic signalling in the pathophysiology of heart failure using a cardiomyocyte-specific GRABAdotransgenic zebrafish model.The study also showed the cardioprotective effect of a drug called vesicular nucleotide transporter inhibitor in heart failure; a novel pathway to treat heart failure. Dr. Phurpa is also a recipient of the 16th Nakatsuka Medical Award from the Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Japan, in recognition of his outstanding academic and research achievements. He was honored with this prestigious award for his excellent research, which contributes to advancing medical science and improving human health.
Dr. Passang Lhamo Sherpa, Assistant Professor, and Dr. Deki Pem, Associate Professor, both from the Faculty of Nursing and Public Health, pursued their PhDs at Oita University and Juntendo University, Japan, respectively.
Dr. Passang Lhamo Sherpa pursued PhD in Molecular Epidemiology of Gastric Cancer at the Department of Environment and Preventive Medicine in Oita University. As part of her PhD study, she conducted a preliminary study among children under six years of age as a proxy to check H. pylori infection in the household. Her thesis is titled “Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children Under 64 Months in Thimphu, Bhutan, and Introducing a New In-House Immunochromatography Test Kit: A Cross-Sectional Study,” aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of H. pylori infection among Bhutanese children and to validate a newly developed in-house immunochromatography test (A-ICT) kit. She graduated in March 2026 from Oita University and is currently working at FNPH as Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Health and Allied Sciences.
Dr. Deki Pem pursued her PhD in Nursing, specialising in Global Nursing and Leadership. Her doctoral research, titled “Development of a Breastfeeding Education Program for Bhutanese Women,” comprised a series of studies aimed at understanding breastfeeding practices and the factors influencing breastfeeding outcomes.
Dr.Pem’s research examined mothers’ knowledge, attitudes, and breastfeeding self-efficacy, as well as the social and contextual factors influencing breastfeeding practices. Based on the findings, she developed and pilot-tested a breastfeeding education intervention designed to strengthen mothers’ knowledge, confidence, and skills in breastfeeding.
The intervention was informed by the Integrated Behavioral Model and relevant educational framework, providing an evidence-based approach to breastfeeding education and support. The research contributes to strengthening breastfeeding promotion and education and provides a foundation for integrating structured, evidence-informed breastfeeding support into maternal and child health services. She graduated in September 2025.
In recognition of the significance of these studies, KGUMSB and JICA Bhutan Office are pleased to share these findings with a wider audience
For inquiries:
JICA Bhutan Office
Thuji Zam (Ms.)
Program Officer
Zam-Thuji@jica.go.jp
Phone: 16176751
KGUMSB
Anjana Pradhan (Ms.)
Chief HR Officer
anjanahro@kgumsb.edu.bt
Phone: 17893772
