Similarly western allopathic medicine was introduced in early 1950s. People relied on rich indigenous medicine known was sowai rigpa for preventive and curative measures. Both Buddhist rituals and village shaman (paw and pamo) played important role. The indigenous medicine is strongly promoted along with the western medicine. The country saw great strides in health sector. Communicable diseases like diarrhoea and ARI are the highest causes of mortality. The non-communicable diseases are on the rise. About 90% of the population has access to the primary health care services. Last decade saw great improvement in mortality rates: IMR stands at 60.5, U5MR at 84.0, Maternal mortality at 2.55. About 77.8% has access to safe drinking water and 88.0% sanitation (latrine) coverage. Health services are provided free to all population.

No vaccinations are currently required for traveling to Bhutan. However if you are arriving from an area infected with yellow fever, you are required to have yellow fever vaccination and it shall be administered at least 10 days before your arrival into Bhutan. Also if arriving from Cholera infected area, the vaccination is strongly recommended. Anti-malarial medication is also recommended for all travelers who are visiting rural areas in the districts that border India.