Bhutan 2nd International Conference on Medical and Health Sciences

A 3-member CCOUC team visited Thimphu, Bhutan to attend the Bhutan 2nd International Conference on Medical and Health Sciences organised by Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan on 5 and 6 November 2016.

The two-day conference has gathered more than 300 academics, students and medical practitioners. Professor May Yeung and Mr Kelvin Ling of the delegation were invited to give presentations on “Birth ball for pregnant women in labour: RCT (preliminary result)” and “Non-communicable disease prevention literacy among teachers in rural Qinghai Tibetan primary schools” respectively. Participants were interested in the presentations. They expressed their strong views that prevention is important especially for non-communicable diseases, and education on the importance of prevention should also start early. Some audience also raised questions like how pregnant women could use the fit ball. While giving explanation, Professor May Yeung, who won the best presenter award, also reminded the audience of the safety when using the fit ball amongst pregnant women.

Apart from participating in the conference, the delegation also met various departments of the Government, academic institutions and non-governmental organisations on 7 and 8 November to promote the Chow Tai Fook Charity Foundation Scholarship for Master of Public Health programme as well as other short courses conducted by CCOUC in 2017. All parties showed positive response as they believed the programmes and courses would help them build up the local capacity in tackling public health issues in Bhutan. They are also interested in knowing more about public health related research during disasters or emergencies. CCOUC looks forward to more similar exchange opportunities to cultivate a close long-term relationship and cooperation with Bhutan.