Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh Receives Bhutan’s National Order of Merit Gold Medal for Outstanding Healthcare Leadership
Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia, has been honoured with Bhutan’s National Order of Merit Gold Medal for her decade-long impactful contributions to public health, including the successful elimination of diseases and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Introduction:
Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, the first woman Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia, has been awarded Bhutan’s prestigious National Order of Merit Gold Medal for her exemplary services to the nation’s healthcare sector. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk recognised Dr Khetrapal Singh’s distinguished leadership at Bhutan’s 116th National Day celebration.
Key Achievements Recognised:
During her tenure from 2014 to 2024, Dr Khetrapal Singh played a pivotal role in Bhutan’s transformative healthcare journey, achieving milestones such as early elimination of measles and rubella. Bhutan, under her guidance, became a leader in COVID-19 vaccination. The King praised her impactful strategies across communicable diseases, reproductive health, health systems, and social determinants.
Dr Khetrapal Singh’s Vision and Gratitude:
In a post-award ceremony video message, Dr Khetrapal Singh expressed gratitude to King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk and shared her vision as the Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia. She commended Bhutan’s exceptional efforts, including the elimination of polio, maternal and neonatal tetanus, measles, and rubella. She expressed confidence in Bhutan’s continued success in public health, particularly in the ongoing fight against non-communicable diseases.
Decade-Long Achievements:
Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, the first Indian Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia, witnessed unprecedented advances in public health during her ten-year term. The region successfully eradicated polio, eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus, and significantly reduced measles deaths. Bhutan, along with four other countries, achieved the elimination of measles and rubella.
SEO-friendly Highlights:
Bhutan’s National Order of Merit Gold Medal awarded to Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh.
Recognition for her transformative healthcare leadership and contributions.
Achievements include early elimination of measles, rubella, and success in COVID-19 vaccination.
Dr Khetrapal Singh’s vision for addressing priority health issues and promoting wellbeing.
Decade-long advances in public health, including the eradication of polio and reduction in maternal mortality.
SEO keywords: Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO South-East Asia, Bhutan, National Order of Merit, public health achievements.
Conclusion:
Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh’s recognition with Bhutan’s National Order of Merit Gold Medal highlights her significant impact on public health. Her visionary leadership and achievements contribute to the nation’s healthcare success story, reflecting a decade of progress and collaborative efforts in the pursuit of better public health outcomes.
