From May 5-June 26, 2026, the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University organized an “International Short-Course Training Program on Peritoneal Dialysis” under the supervision of Associate Professor Anirut Pattaragarn, MD, Chief of the Division of Nephrology (Pediatrics) and Associate Professor Suchai Sritippayawan, MD, Chief of the Division of Nephrology (Adult), to enhance the capabilities of Bhutanese medical personnel in caring for kidney disease patients using peritoneal dialysis techniques. 💉

The program was divided into 2 main parts:
📚 PART 1: 2-week course for internists and nephrology fellows (May 5-15, 2026)
🩺 PART 2: 2-month course for nurses specializing in pediatric peritoneal dialysis (May 5 – June 26, 2026)

This initiative was prompted by Bhutan’s current situation where approximately 437 patients with end-stage kidney disease rely on hemodialysis using artificial kidney machines, while very few receive peritoneal dialysis treatment. This has resulted in overcrowding at dialysis centers and increased travel burdens and costs for patients from remote areas. 🏥

The 10 medical personnel from the Department of Clinical Services, Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan, comprising:
Dr. Tashi Tenzin (Surgeon) – 2 weeks
Dr. Minjur Dorji (Nephrologist) – 2 weeks
Mr. Sangay Wangchuk (Scrub Nurse) – 2 weeks
Mrs. Rinzin Delkar (Dialysis Unit In-charge) – 2 weeks
Mrs. Yeshey Wangmo (Dialysis Nurse) – 2 months
Mrs. Sonam Peldon (Dialysis Nurse) – 2 months
Mrs. Pema Choden (Dialysis Nurse) – 2 months
Mr. Tenzin Namgyel (Dialysis Nurse) – 2 months
Ms. Sonam Yangzom (PICU Nurses)- 2 months
Mr. Suba Raj Dahal (PICU Nurses)- 2 months

The program aims to support the Kingdom of Bhutan in developing a sustainable National PD Program, increase treatment accessibility for kidney patients in rural areas, reduce the burden on Hemodialysis centers, and strengthen academic cooperation networks between Thailand and Bhutan. 🤝

Participants who successfully complete the assessment will receive a Certificate of Completion from the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University. 📜