The 40-bedded Paro district hospital was built more than two decades ago and since then, the hospital hasn’t seen any upgradation, in terms of infrastructure and services. Today, with the population increasing in the district, the hospital remains overcrowded with patients every day. The need for upgradation was discussed during the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu.
Every day, about 500 patients visit the hospital.
But there are only six general doctors who cater services to almost a hundred patients in a day. And this, some of the doctors said affects the quality of the service.
Moreover, the patients, without proper waiting rooms, have to stand for hours.
“I feel that the upgradation of the hospital will benefit us as everybody has to visit the hospital when they are sick,” said Choden, a resident.
“The road towards the hospital was widened and it has become convenient for us. However, upon reaching the hospital, it takes some time to get a token and we have been waiting. Moreover, surgeries are not performed here, and the patients are referred to Thimphu. We would be grateful if the hospital is upgraded,” said Ugyen Tshewang, another resident.
The local leaders also raised the issue during the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu.
“We don’t have specialists like Gynecologists and Pediatricians. Moreover, there is a need for infrastructure development and carry out maintenance. For instance, there are problems with drinking water and sewerage. We don’t have a proper sewerage system as of now. These are all people’s concerns,” said Tshering Dorji, the DT Chairperson.
The house decided to write to the health ministry requesting the upgradation.
But the ministry currently does not have any plans to upgrade the hospital any time soon. However, according to the ministry, groundworks to study its feasibility is underway.
Namgay Wangchuk, Paro
Edited by Tshering Zam
