5th International Conference on Occupational and Environmental Health | 27-29 April 2026 | Kingdom of Bhutan

CONFERENCE THEME

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Conference Theme : ICOEH 2026

Advancing OSH for Sustainable and Decent Work through Global Collaboration

In an era of rapid industrial transformation and evolving global challenges, the safety and well-being of the workforce stand as the true measure of sustainable progress. The 5th International Conference on Occupational and Environmental Health (ICOEH 2026) arrives at a critical juncture, bringing the global OSH community to the serene highlands of Thimphu, Bhutan.

This year’s theme, “Advancing OSH for Sustainable and Decent Work through Global Collaboration,” serves as a call to action. It recognizes that safe and healthy workplaces are not merely a legal requirement but a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Why This Theme Matters

The world of work is being reshaped by technological shifts, climate change, and new patterns of employment. To meet these challenges, we must move beyond traditional compliance.

  • Sustainability: Integrating health and safety into the core of business longevity and environmental stewardship.

  • Decent Work: Ensuring that every worker returns home in the same state of health in which they arrived, fostering dignity and social justice.

  • Global Collaboration: Bridging the gap between developed frameworks and emerging economies through the exchange of research, policy, and innovation.

The Bhutanese Perspective: OSH and Happiness

Hosting this conference in the Kingdom of Bhutan offers a unique lens through which to view occupational health. Bhutan’s guiding philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) asserts that true development occurs when economic growth is balanced with the emotional and physical well-being of the people.

By aligning OSH standards with the pillars of GNH, ICOEH 2026 seeks to demonstrate how a “People-First” approach to workplace safety can drive national prosperity and worker fulfillment.

speakers

Meet Our Speakers

(in alphabatical order)

Dr. Barry Kistnasamy

Public Health Specialist,
South Africa

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Dr. Dechen Wangmo

HOD Ophthalmology, Gyalyum Kesang Choeden Wangchuck National Eye Center
Bhutan

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Dr. Deepak Sharma

Medico-Legal Consultant & Advocate,
India

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Jurmey Thinley

Director and lead OHS Trainer, ITPL,
Bhutan

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Karma Choden

Independent Consultant - Public Health Specialist & Educator

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Karma Dhendup

First Aid Chief Instructor, Bhutan Red Cross Society, Bhutan

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Mr. Lham Dorji

Director, Department of Labour,
Bhutan

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Dr. Mahinda Seneviratne

Occupational Hygienist,
Sydney, Australia

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Mohit Gupta

Industrial Hygienist, Occupational and Environmental Health expert,
India

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Dr. Moreshnee Govender​

MBChB, MSc (Ergonomics),
South Africa​

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Dr. Neera Mehta​

Infertility Specialist & Laparoscopic Surgeon,
India​

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Dr. Sunil Mehta

Consultant Pediatrician & Neonatologist,
India​

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Pelden Wangchuk

Audiologist, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH), Bhutan

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Phuntsho Dendup

Deputy Chief Labour Officer, Dept. of Labour,
Bhutan

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Sonam Wangchuk

Executive Director, Construction Association of Bhutan

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Thinley Pem

Engineer and Safety Officer,
Bhutan

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Thomas H Gassert

Specialist in Occupational & Environmental Medicine, USA

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Organisers

Experience the Philosophy of

Gross National Happiness

in the world's only carbon negative country.

join us now at ICOEH 2026

Dr. Barry Kistnasamy

Public Health Specialist, South Africa

Dr. Barry Kistnasamy is a public health specialist (University of Natal, South Africa) with additional training in occupational and environmental health (University of Michigan, USA), health economics and planning (University of York, UK) and health leadership (Cambridge, UK). He has over 30 years’ experience in health policy, health planning and management in the public, non-governmental and private health sectors as well as the provision of occupational health, HIV/AIDS and TB interventions, compensation services and pandemic response. He heads Occupational Health in the Department of Health of South Africa and is the Compensation Commissioner for occupational lung diseases in mineworkers.

Dr. Kistnasamy’s work continues to impact public health in South Africa and internationally, particularly in the areas of occupational health, workers’ compensation, climate change and health and the intersection of technology with healthcare delivery.

Dr. Dechen Wangmo

HOD Ophthalmology, Gyalyum Kesang Choeden Wangchuck National Eye Center, Bhutan

Dr. Dechen Wangmo is a Pediatric Ophthalmologist and serves as the Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Gyalyum Kesang Choeden Wangchuck National Eye Center, which functions as the ophthalmology department of the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) in Thimphu, Bhutan. She also holds the designation of Professor and serves as Medical Advisor to HCP Cure Blindness.

Dr. Wangmo is recognized as Bhutan's first pediatric ophthalmologist, having trained through the Himalayan Cataract Project (HCP). Her expertise spans pediatric eye care, including management of congenital cataracts, pediatric glaucoma, and childhood blindness. In 2011, she undertook a Low Vision Course in Adelaide, Australia, through Sight For All, and upon returning to Bhutan, she helped establish the country's first disability service for visually impaired adults and children.

Dr. Wangmo has contributed significantly to Bhutan's eye care development through clinical service, surgical outreach camps, and academic training. She has participated in collaborative research, including the 2012 Childhood Blindness Study conducted with Australian ophthalmologists. She continues to advance her expertise through international observerships, most recently completing training in collagen cross-linking and pediatric glaucoma at Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Nepal in 2024.

Dr. Deepak Sharma

Medico-Legal Consultant & Advocate, India

Dr. Deepak Sharma, B.A.M.S., LL.B., LL.M., is a distinguished legal professional with a unique interdisciplinary background in both medicine and law. Leveraging his foundation in Ayurvedic medicine alongside advanced legal education, he brings a comprehensive and analytical approach to his practice.

Specializing in criminal law and medical negligence cases, Dr. Sharma is known for his keen understanding of the intersection between healthcare and legal accountability. His dual expertise enables him to effectively handle complex medico-legal matters, offering insightful representation and strategic counsel to his clients.

With a commitment to justice and professional integrity, Dr. Sharma has built a reputation for diligence, clarity, and a client-focused approach, making him a trusted advocate in his field.

Jurmey Thinley

Director and lead OHS Trainer, ITPL, Bhutan

Jurmey Thinley is the Director and lead OHS Trainer at the Institute of Technology and Professional Learnings (ITPL) in Bhutan. With extensive experience in operations and a deep-seated understanding of the construction industry, he specializes in developing and delivering competency-based training programs that bridge the gap between international safety standards and local industrial practices.

A dedicated advocate for labour protection and workforce development, Mr. Thinley focuses on building national capacity by empowering safety professionals and supervisors with the technical skills necessary to ensure safe, compliant, and productive work environments across the region.

Karma Choden

Independent Consultant - Public Health Specialist & Educator, Bhutan

Ms. Karma Choden is an Independent Consultant specializing in Public Health and Education, with 12 years of experience as a nurse-educator and two years as a freelance consultant. She holds a BSc in Nursing from New Delhi, India, an MPH from the Netherlands, and an MBA from the University of Canberra. Her expertise spans nursing and allied health education, as well as the intersection of environment, climate, and health.

Through her consulting practice, she supports health institutions, educational organizations, and development partners in strengthening health workforce capacity and addressing climate-related health challenges. Her unique combination of clinical education, public health strategy, and business management allows her to deliver integrated, evidence-based solutions that bridge frontline practice with systems-level impact.

Karma Dhendup

First Aid Chief Instructor, Bhutan Red Cross Society

Karma Dhendup is a seasoned health professional currently serving as the Health Officer and First Aid Chief Instructor at the Bhutan Red Cross Society. With a diverse clinical and academic background, he holds a Masters in Public Health (Implementation Science), a specialized qualification sponsored by WHO-TDR that focuses on bridging the gap between health research and practical field application. Beginning his career as a Cardiovascular Technologist with a Bachelors in Cardiology, Mr. Dhendup combines technical clinical expertise with high-level public health strategy.

In his current leadership role, he oversees vital community health initiatives and serves as the lead authority for first aid instruction in Bhutan. His unique blend of implementation science and emergency response experience makes him a key expert in developing scalable health interventions and strengthening community-based emergency preparedness across the kingdom.

Mr. Lham Dorji

Director, Department of Labour, Bhutan

Mr. Lham Dorji serves as the Director of the Department of Labour under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Employment (MoICE). He has been instrumental in leading national initiatives to modernize labour standards and ensure the safety and wellbeing of Bhutan's workforce. With an extensive background in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and human resource development, Mr. Dorji brings a strategic vision to the ICOEH-2026 conference.

His leadership at the Department of Labour focuses on:
Strengthening OHS Frameworks - Spearheading national policies that align with international safety standards.
Labour Protection: Ensuring fair practices and decent work environments across all sectors in Bhutan. Collaborative Growth: Fostering regional and international partnerships to enhance technical capacity and safety awareness.

As a core member of the ICOEH-2026 organizing team, Mr. Dorji represents the Royal Government of Bhutan's commitment to building resilient and sustainable occupational health and safety systems for a future-ready workforce.

Dr. Mahinda Seneviratne

Occupational Hygienist, Sydney, Australia

Mahinda Seneviratne is a work health strategist with over 25 years’ experience in regulatory enforcement, policy making, investigation, training and research. He is a Certified Occupational Hygienist (COH) and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (FAIOH). He has done extensive field work involving exposure monitoring and risk control of physical, chemical and biological hazards in different industries.

Mahinda is a Board Member of the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH). He conducted multidisciplinary workshops in Asia and Africa to build capability in basic OH services among those engaging with small-scale enterprises and informal sectors.

Mohit Gupta

Industrial Hygienist and Occupational and Environmental Health expert, India

Mohit Gupta is an Industrial Hygienist and Occupational and Environmental Health expert with over 15 years of experience in India. His work involves research on pollution from the workplaces which impact the workers and communities living in proximity to the factories and mines. He has been part of several medical camps which have been organized to identify victims of occupational lung diseases like Silicosis and Asbestosis in several parts of India.

He has worked extensively on ascertaining the air pollution impact of Thermal Power plants and Coal mines on the surrounding communities. He has been the coordinator of National and Regional networks on Occupational and Environmental Health. He has also participated in professional forums, training programs, and collaborative initiatives related to occupational health and safety at both national and international levels.

Dr. Moreshnee Govender

MBChB, MSc (Ergonomics), South Africa

Moreshnee Govender is a public health specialist with additional training in, health economics and planning (University of York, UK) and ergonomics (University of Lulea).

She was a Senior Lecturer and Research Associate in the School of Public Health at the University of Witwatersrand.

She has experience in health technology, ergonomics and patient safety. This also included training workshops related to Workplace Wellness Programmes, HIV in the Workplace and Health Technology Management in Hospital settings.

Dr. Neera Mehta

Infertility Specialist & Laparoscopic Surgeon, India

Dr. Neera Mehta is the Director of the Department of Gynaecology at Mehta Hospital, Mohali. A highly accomplished obstetrician and gynecologist, she holds an MBBS and MD (Obs Gynae), furthered by specialized international training, including a Diploma in Gynae Endoscopy from the Kiel School of Gynaecological Endoscopy, Germany, and a Diploma in Sonology from the Ian Donald School, Croatia.

With over 26 years of extensive experience spanning both the public and private sectors, Dr. Mehta is a recognized expert in infertility and advanced laparoscopic surgery. Her professional leadership is reflected in her roles as an Executive Board Member (EBM) of the Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction (ISAR), Chandigarh Chapter, and as a former EBM of the Chandigarh Obstetrics and Gynaecology Society.

Dr. Mehta is a Life Member of prestigious medical bodies including FOGSI, COGS, IFS, and ISAR. Her contributions to the field are well-documented through numerous publications in national and international indexed journals, and her commitment to excellence has been recognized with several state-level awards.

Dr. Sunil Mehta

Consultant Pediatrician & Neonatologist and Managing Director, Mehta Hospital, Kharar (Mohali), India

Dr. Sunil Mehta is the Managing Director of Mehta Hospital, Kharar (Mohali), and a distinguished leader in the field of pediatrics. With an MBBS and MD in Paediatrics, he brings decades of clinical expertise and administrative leadership to the healthcare sector.

A committed advocate for organized pediatrics, Dr. Mehta currently serves as the President of the Sahibzada Academy of Paediatrics, Mohali (2024-25), having previously held the roles of Secretary and Advisor within the same institution. His leadership extends to the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), where he served on the Executive Board for the Chandigarh chapter in 2003 and 2021.

Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Mehta is a passionate educator and trainer. He is a recognized trainer in the IAP’s SSS program and vaccinology, and has spearheaded numerous workshops on critical topics including Early Childhood Development (NC-ECD), ILEAP, and GEME. An accomplished academic, he has contributed to the medical community through various publications in national and international journals, while remaining deeply involved in local social and community health initiatives.

Pelden Wangchuk

Audiologist at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH), Bhutan

Pelden Wangchuk is an Audiologist at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) in Thimphu, Bhutan, serving within the Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT). He has specialized training in Audiology Rehabilitation, completed at Mahidol University's Ramathibodi Hospital in Thailand in December 2018 through a UNICEF-supported fellowship . His clinical and research work focuses on hearing loss prevention, occupational audiology, and ototoxicity monitoring. He has conducted significant studies on occupational noise-induced hearing loss among industrial workers in Bhutan, finding a prevalence rate of 27.9% , and has researched hearing impairment in patients undergoing multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment, documenting a 45.23% prevalence of ototoxicity . His contributions extend to evaluating workplace-based assessment in medical education and indoor air quality research .

As a key member of the Audiology Unit at Bhutan's national referral hospital, Pelden Wangchuk is actively involved in clinical services, community outreach, and research aimed at strengthening ear and hearing care services across the country.

Phuntsho Dendup

Deputy Chief Labour Officer (Dy CLO) & Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Professional, Department of Labour, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE), Thimphu, Bhutan

Mr. Phuntsho Dendup is a seasoned senior official with over 19 years of experience in labour administration, occupational health and safety (OSH), and policy development. Currently serving as Deputy Chief Labour Officer and OSH Professional at the Department of Labour, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, he has been instrumental in shaping Bhutan’s workplace safety landscape.

His career is marked by significant contributions to national policy reform. Mr. Dendup served as a Technical Advisor for the development of the National OHS Strategy and played a lead role in the revision and finalization of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2022 and the Regulations on Working Conditions 2022. He pioneered several national firsts, including initiating Bhutan’s first National OHS Seminar (2025), establishing the first Workforce Management Centers, and institutionalizing World Safety Day in Bhutan (2012). His leadership in establishing workplace annual health checkup systems and industrial first aid training has set new benchmarks for employee welfare across industries.

A committed trainer and capacity builder, Mr. Dendup has conducted numerous training programs across the country, equipping safety officers and supervisors with essential skills. Notably, he led the initiative to institutionalize the Safety Officer and Safety Supervisor courses in collaboration with the Bhutan Quality Product and Construction Association (BQPCA), aligning these programs with the Bhutan Quality Framework for Works (BQFW) to ensure consistent and high-quality safety standards in the construction and industrial sectors.
As a dedicated researcher, Mr. Dendup has made significant contributions to the field of occupational health, with numerous publications in international journals covering topics such as workplace accident epidemiology, occupational noise-induced hearing loss, and gendered perspectives on OHS. His work bridges the gap between policy, practice, and academic insight.

Recognized for his excellence, he was awarded the Excellence in Workplace Health and Safety Leadership Award at the Asian Professional Achievement Awards in 2025. Mr. Dendup holds an MSc in Occupational and Environmental Health from Thammasat University, Thailand, and a Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety from HBA Learning Centres, Australia.

Sonam Wangchuk

Executive Director of the Construction Association of Bhutan

Mr. Sonam Wangchuk, the Executive Director of the Construction Association of Bhutan, brings over 27 years of professional experience in public service and bureaucracy, contributing significantly to policy development, institutional strengthening, and sectoral reforms in Bhutan.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, a Master’s Degree in Business Management, and a Master’s Degree in Public Management from the University of Canberra, Australia. His multidisciplinary academic background, combined with extensive leadership experience on Public Health with a strong foundation in Occupational Health, Safety Governance, Organizational Management, and Public Sector Leadership.

Throughout his career, He has been actively engaged in promoting workplace safety, strengthening construction sector standards, and advocating for sustainable and safe working environments in Bhutan. His leadership at the Construction Association of Bhutan has contributed to advancing Occupational Health and Safety Awareness, Policy Dialogue, and Industry best practices.

Thinley Pem

Engineer and Safety Officer, Bhutan

Thinley Pem is a motivated Engineer and Safety Officer with hands-on experience in construction site supervision and the implementation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards.

Since June 2016, she has been working with KD Gongphel Builders, where she oversees daily construction activities to ensure compliance with drawings and specifications, enforces OHS policies on site, and coordinates with clients and consultants for smooth project execution.

She holds a B.E. in Civil Engineering from Chitkara University and is skilled in Construction Project Management, OHS Compliance, and Leadership and Team Management. Thinley is fluent in English, Dzongkha, and Hindi.

Thomas H Gassert

Specialist in Occupational & Environmental Medicine and Internal Medicine, USA

Thomas H Gassert, MD, MSc, FACOEM. Dr. Gassert is a specialist in Occupational & Environmental Medicine and Internal Medicine. Before entering medicine, he worked as an industrial hygienist, NGO co-founder, school teacher, and factory worker. For over 30 years, he has been affiliated with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health. He previously held appointments at the medical schools of Harvard, Dartmouth, Boston University, and the University of Massachusetts, along with their affiliated hospitals. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at Johns Hopkins University and earned an MSc in Occupational Hygiene from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. His undergraduate studies at the University of San Francisco focused on child psychology and education. From 1980 to 1985, Dr. Gassert was based in Hong Kong, where he co-founded and directed a regional NGO addressing industrial practices, labor conditions, and environmental hazards across Asia, and developed a project on chemical hazards in industry, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals.

Earlier, from 1975 to 1977, he taught high school in Micronesia. As an occupational physician, Dr. Gassert has worked across diverse industries to prevent and manage worker injuries and illnesses related to chemical exposures, toxic dusts and metals, air pollution, infectious agents, radiation, psychosocial stressors, and workplace emergencies. He has long supported safe employment and reasonable accommodation under the ADA. For several years he supported the employees of Easterseals New Hampshire to serve individuals with disabilities, including autism. Internationally, he has provided technical consultation to the World Health Organization and NGOs in low- and middle-income countries. For example, with WHO he drafted a national Occupational Heat Exposure Standard for Laos, and with local experts he provided technical support for a national poison control center with toxicovigilance in South Korea.

His current work addresses five planetary health challenges: worker disease burden, climate change, emerging pandemics, worker migration, and ethical use of AI - aiming to ensure safe, decent, and productive employment for the world’s 4 billion workforce.