Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, a 1975 batch retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Punjab cadre and the former Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the South-East Asia region, has been honored with Bhutan’s prestigious National Order of Merit Gold Medal. The recognition was bestowed upon her by Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk during the country’s 116th National Day celebration.
During her tenure from 2014 to 2024, Dr. Khetrapal Singh, the first woman to serve as the WHO South-East Asia Regional Director, played a crucial role in advancing healthcare leadership in Bhutan. Her efforts contributed significantly to Bhutan’s achievement of eliminating measles and rubella ahead of schedule, positioning the country among the pioneers in this regard. Furthermore, she played a key role in supporting Bhutan’s successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the area of vaccination.
Dr. Khetrapal Singh’s impactful strategies encompassed a wide range of health areas, including communicable diseases, reproductive health, health systems, and social determinants. Her contributions left a lasting and positive impact on Bhutan’s public health services. Notably, she made history by being the first Indian to be elected as the Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career.
