Bhutan, the Land of Medicinal Plants is a tiny Himalayan Kingdom bordered by China to the North and India on the South, East and West. It has a total land area of 38,394 square kilometers with total population of 634982 (2005). The State Religion is Drukpa Kagyupa a branch of Mahayana Buddhism. The National language of Bhutan is Dzongkha.

With 72% of the country under forest cover and the existence of varied climatic zones within a small geographical space, Bhutan is considered as one of the ten global biodiversity hotspots in the world. It is home to several endangered species of plants and animals.

Bhutan has a unique healthcare system where people are provided free healthcare services in both modern and traditional systems. The traditional system of medicine known as gso-ba rig-pa, was integrated into the healthcare delivery system since 1967. This integration of modern and traditional medical system not only provides a choice to the people but also promotes better results in public health in a harmonious manner.

The gso-ba rig-pa provides a comprehensive way of understanding the Universe, man, and his sicknesses and it is gaining popularity due to its holistic, rounded and profound approach in the treatment of human beings. The Traditional Medical system with its unique philosophy, has a holistic approach in the treatment of human suffering and diseases. It not only considers in treating the disease and its causes but also considers the interdependency of man and nature and has spiritual component included in the treatment.

Today, the medicines required for the traditional healthcare services are produced within the country from natural resources using modern science and technology. The raw materials required for the production of traditional medicines are collected from Lingshi, Bumthang and Gasa in the northern part and Trongsa, Zhemgang and Gelephu in the central and southern areas of the country.

	Area:	38,394 sq. kms
	Population:	634,392
	Capital:	Thimphu
	National Language:	Dzongkha
	Currency:	Ngultrum (Nu.)
	Exchange Rate:	US$ = Nu. 39.70 Euro € = Nu. 61.80

Menjong Sorig Pharmaceuticals otherwise known as Pharmaceutical and Research Unit (PRU) under the Institute of Traditional Medicine Services (ITMS) in the Ministry of Health is the premier manufacturer of the traditional herbal-based medicines supplied to all the Hospitals in Bhutan. It is a place where the modern science and technology is married with the ancient traditional knowledge. It is located in Kawa Jangsa in the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu.

Traditional Medicine was introduced as a part of the National Health Care System in 1967, when production of traditional medicines was started on a very low scale. In 1982, the production of traditional medicines was mechanized with the procurement of some basic grinding equipment with WHO support. By 1997, the cottage production unit was upgraded to a manufacturing unit as the Pharmaceutical and Research Unit with modern equipment for production, research and quality control.

 Menjong Sorig functions as one of three Units under the ITMS and has the main responsibility of producing traditional medicines of assured quality and conducting research for scientific validation. The Unit currently produces approximately 7 - 8 metric tons of 98 different essential traditional medicines annually. In addition, it also produces various commercial herbal products for the local market.

The present manufacturing complex of the PRU was commissioned under the financial assistance of EC in 1994. Two drying centers, one at Lingshi under Thimphu Dzongkhag and the other at Langthel under Trongsa Dzongkhag were commissioned in 1998.