MEDICAL PLANTS AND ITS FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITIES: A STUDY OF HIMALAYAN NATION OF BHUTAN

The paper discussed the medical plants and its financial opportunities of Bhutan. It has found that Bhutan is rapidly changing. It has rich cultural heritage. Despite its limited resources, it located in one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, is blessed with an abundance of medical plants. Bhutan is making concerted efforts to upgrade its health care system and provide it to all its citizens. Herbal medicine, including Sowa Rigpa, has made a vital support in health care. Herbal medicine is a key ingredient in many native and traditional medicines in Bhutan. Bhutan is known to have over six hundred medicinal plants. The medicinal plant program has become one of the sustainable pillars of Bhutan’s health system. Bhutanese traditional medicine, known as Sowa Rigpa, is part of Bhutan’s cultural and religious heritage and plays a key part in the delivery of healthcare in Bhutan. Although medical services have expanded over the years, problems such as doubts about the validity of research, inadequate testing, and concerns about herbal medicines remain. Farmers or workers can earn income from selling/ cultivating such medical plants. Commercial farming of medical plants can be a good opportunity for earning income for the youth. Both society and nation will benefit from it. Several recommendations have been made to address these issues, including the integration of modern technology into improved disease control efforts, evidence-based practice, and the use of antibiotics. Using these strategies, Sowa Rigpa can continue to work to improve efficiency, safety, and security, promote the advancement of modern medicine worldwide, and ensure the well-being of the Bhutanese people.