Dr. Bhampa Rai was a Bhutanese surgeon and human rights activist who dedicated his life to the welfare of Bhutanese refugees in Nepal. Leaving his prestigious position as the royal surgeon, he chose to stand with the expelled Nepali-speaking Bhutanese community, providing medical care and advocating for their repatriation.
Life Data
OriginBhutan
Cultural HeritageRai (Kiranti)
Primary LanguageNepali
Life's WorkRoyal Surgeon in Bhutan
Consultant Surgeon to the Bhutanese monarch
Coordinator of the Committee for Repatriation of Bhutanese Refugees to Bhutan
Human rights activist
Provider of free medical services to Bhutanese refugees and local communities in Nepal
Life Research
Born in 1950 in Bara block, Samchi district, Bhutan, Dr. Bhampa Rai pursued medical studies, earning his MBBS from Guwahati University and FRCS from Dhaka. He served as a surgeon at Thimphu General Hospital and as a consultant to the Bhutanese monarch. In 1990, amidst the expulsion of Nepali-speaking Bhutanese, he voluntarily left his position to support the refugees. Settling in Damak, Nepal, he provided free medical services and became a leading advocate for their repatriation. His unwavering commitment spanned over three decades until his passing in 2022.
