Socio-Economic Impact of Covid-19 in Bhutan: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

Cataclysms are difficult, uncontrollable problems that put societies and nations to the test in terms of how successfully they can protect their infrastructure and population, reduce losses on a material and human level, and recover rapidly. Throughout the beginning of recorded human history, infectious diseases have afflicted people. Over the last four decades, the rise of urbanization, globalization, and population expansion has played a significant role in the escalation of both the occurrence and cross-border dissemination of novel infectious diseases. The discovery of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and the proliferation of COVID-19 in this world today have prompted many countries to take drastic action. Many economic aspects, not least innovative start-ups, experienced an external shock as a result of the “lockdown” of a sizable portion of society and economic activity.  The first cases of COVID-19 in a nation are significant because they have an impact on the nation's response to preparedness, the perception of the pandemic by the general public, and the actions taken by medical professionals. A 76-year-old American man who visited Bhutan as a tourist and was isolated in a separate hospital with a committed medical care staff before being airlifted back to his nation experienced a fortunate turn of events in Bhutan. This patient made Bhutan and its people more careful, and the ensuing steps were so well thought out and wise. The patient's medical team, the government, and the Bhutanese people all took away lessons from this. The COVID-19 recovery effort has been hindered by the government's severe containment measures, which have caused supply chain interruptions, tourism industry problems, and an exodus of expatriate workers, leading to a labor shortage for both trained and unskilled personnel. This gap caused infrastructural projects to stall, which had a negative impact on the average person’s standard of living. Despite the fact that pandemic deaths are frequent, each one has influenced the socioeconomic and public health results, depending on the type and extent of the outbreak. In addition to reflecting on Bhutan's adaptability, responsiveness, and lessons learned, this study sought to provide a preliminary assessment of the COVID-19’s effects on the country. It also sought to provide a deeper understanding of the recent socioeconomic implications of the COVID-19.