Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia, has been presented with Bhutan’s National Order of Merit (NOM) Gold Medal, a significant acknowledgment of her exceptional achievements in public healthcare in Bhutan.

During the celebration of Bhutan’s 116th National Day on December 17, 2023, in Thimphu, Bhutan, the coveted honor was bestowed by Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the Druk Gyalpo (dragon king) of Bhutan.

Poonam

Made a Notable Impact on Public Healthcare

As the World Health Organization’s Regional Director, Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh was instrumental in bolstering Bhutan’s innovative healthcare leadership. Singh is a former officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Thanks to her hard work, Bhutan was able to accomplish remarkable public health feats, such as being one of the first countries to eradicate measles in 2017 and rubella in 2023, two years ahead of schedule.

Notable Achievements in My Field

A member of the Punjab cadre class of 1975, Dr. Khetrapal Singh has had an impressive career.

While in Punjab, she oversaw the operations of the Punjab Financial Corporation and the Punjab Industrial Development Corporation, and she was also the state’s secretary for health and family welfare.

Her extensive experience in international affairs includes roles at The World Bank and, more recently, the headquarters of the World Health Organization, where she oversaw the Sustainable Development and Healthy Environments Cluster as the Executive Director.

Director of a WHO Regional Office and Re-election

When Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh was elected as the Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia in 2014, she became the first woman and the first Indian to hold that position.

She got reappointment to the position for a further five-year term in 2019. During her time in office, the region made great advances in healthcare reform and illness eradication.

Distinguished Citizenship of Bhutan (NOM)

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck established the National Order of Merit in 2008 as a high-status award for outstanding and honorable contributions to Bhutan.

Gold for First Class, Silver for Second Class, and Bronze for Third Class are the three tiers of the award.

The NOM Gold Medal was presented to Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the healthcare system in Bhutan.