Former Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dasho Dr Lotay Tshering Appointed Governor of Gelephu Mindfulness City
Dasho Dr. Lotay Tshering, former Prime Minister of Bhutan, has been appointed Governor of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).
The appointment was made by His Majesty The King following a recommendation from the Board of Directors of the GMC during its inaugural meeting on October 1, 2024, held at Dungkar Dzong in Paro.
In his new role, Governor Dasho Dr. Lotay Tshering will lead the domestic implementation of the Gelephu Mindfulness City strategy, ensuring its growth aligns with Bhutanese values and His Majesty’s vision for sustainable development.
He will oversee internal operations, coordinating with the Royal Government of Bhutan, stakeholders and the Board to integrate national priorities.
Working closely with CEO Mun Leong Liew, Dasho Dr. Lotay will focus on managing policies, infrastructure projects and local execution.
His role will ensure that the city’s development balances local needs with international standards, reflecting Bhutan’s identity while positioning the city as a model for mindful, sustainable urban growth.
As the primary domestic authority, he will drive growth through actionable plans promoting sustainability. He will report directly to the Board of Directors.
The Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) project is a pioneering initiative creating an urban environment centered around mindfulness, sustainability and innovation.
The city will integrate traditional Bhutanese values with cutting-edge design and technology, harnessing the Kingdom’s abundant green power to serve as a global exemplar of holistic development.
The GMC will operate as a Special Administrative Region vested with executive, legislative and independent judicial power.
About Dasho Dr Lotay Tshering
Dr. Lotay Tshering was the Prime Minister of Bhutan, from 7 November 2018 to 1 November 2023. He is a physician by profession, specializing in urology, and a leader of the Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) political party. His leadership has focused on blending healthcare, economic development, and happiness—aligning with Bhutan's Gross National Happiness (GNH) philosophy.
Here are some key aspects of Dr. Lotay Tshering’s career and achievements:
Medical Background:
- Education and Medical Career:
Dr Lotay received his medical degree in 2001 from Dhaka University in Bangladesh. In 2007, he pursued a fellowship in General Urology at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee under the World Health Organisation Fellowship. Upon his return to Bhutan, he was the only practicing trained urologist in Bhutan.
In 2010, Dr Lotay obtained a fellowship in Endourology, at the Singapore General Hospital in Singapore and Okayama University in Japan.
He served as a consultant surgeon at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) and Mongar referral hospitals, and was a Consultant Urologist in JDWNRH for about 11 years.
Political Career:
- 2018 General Election: Dr. Lotay Tshering led the Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa to victory in Bhutan’s 2018 general election. His party won 30 of the 47 seats in the National Assembly. His win marked a significant shift in Bhutanese politics, as his party prioritized reforms in healthcare, education, and employment.
- Prime Minister of Bhutan: Upon his election as Prime Minister, Dr. Tshering emphasized healthcare, his area of expertise, as a major focus of his administration. His government sought to improve accessibility and affordability of healthcare services, particularly in rural Bhutan.
Key Achievements:
- Healthcare Reforms: Dr. Lotay Tshering's administration has worked to strengthen Bhutan's healthcare system, especially focusing on rural healthcare access. He remains committed to his dual roles, occasionally continuing to perform surgeries as part of his efforts to remain connected to his medical roots.
- COVID-19 Response: Bhutan’s COVID-19 management under his leadership received international praise. The government implemented swift lockdowns, comprehensive testing, and an effective vaccination campaign, leading to very low infection and mortality rates compared to many countries.
- Prestigious Awards Recipient:
- 1991: He was awarded the Father William Mackey Gold Medal for academic excellence by Sherubtse College.
- 2005: He was awarded the Unsung Hero of Compassion Award by 14th Dalai Lama.
- 2017: He was awarded the Royal Order of Bhutan Medal (Druk Thuksey) by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck for his "selfless and dedicated service to the Tsawa-Sum (our King, our country and our people)."
- 2018: Royal Orange Scarf by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck for "his appointment as the Prime Minister".
- 2020: Lungmar Scarf by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck for "his unwavering effort and contribution in fighting the ongoing pandemic as the Prime Minister". Tshering is the second person, after former prime minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, to be awarded this scarf since the creation of this award by the Third King, who was the King of Bhutan between 1952 and 1972.
Find out more about the other key leaders for the Gelephu Mindfulness City who were recently appointed by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
All you need to know about the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) project.
