Topics & Events

On 4th June, to commemorate the Birth Anniversary of Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen, the Handing Taking Ceremony of 55 Mobile Cardiotocography devices (iCTG) and the launch of iCTG handbook for health workers were held at the Eastern Regional Referral Hospital, Mongar by Hon'ble Health Secretary. The Embassy of Japan, Resident Representative of UNDP, Chief Representative of JICA and the representatives of Melody International Ltd., Japan, attended the ceremony virtually.

With the collaboration by the manufacturer of this unique medical equipment, JICA and UNDP, Ministry of Health introduced iCTGs. iCTGs will support in reaching every pregnant woman with quality antenatal cares and gynecological and obstetric services in Bhutan including remote parts of the country. It is a part of the introduction of tele-medicine in Bhutan and first of its kind.

iCTG is an innovate form of conventional carditocography based on Internet of Things (IoT) technology. It helps monitor the uterine contraction of mothers and fetal heart rate. This device can also help screen high-risk pregnancy with the compact transducers with mobile communication functions, which will help facilitate timely referral and care through communication of health professionals of distant facilities. Especially in the time of Covid-19, this technology can help pregnant women avoid unnecessary visits to hospital thereby minimizing exposure of patients and health workers to Covid-19. iCTG is expected to benefit 5,000 expectant women of the total 10,000 plus pregnancies reported in a year in Bhutan. The iCTG Handbook will guide health professionals while using the technology and providing services to pregnant women.