Villagers of Barshong in Thimphu’s Naro Gewog are calling for an additional healthcare worker in their village, preferably a female one. The healthcare centre in the village has been recently renovated with several additional facilities, but it has only one male healthcare worker. Residents say the shortage of staff makes it difficult sometimes to avail themselves of health services, especially for women.
The lack of health workers means there isn’t reliable healthcare service according to the people. Every time the healthcare worker is on leave or not in the office, people say they are deprived of medical care. Some shared women are reluctant to go to the healthcare centre since the staff is male.
And with the place situated about three hours’ drive from Thimphu city, it is also challenging for people to go to the National Referral Hospital.
“We need a nurse. We have a male health worker but it is not convenient for female patients. It would be helpful for the women if there is a nurse in the health centre,” said Yeshi Choden, a patient.
“We are very excited about the new healthcare centre. However, there is only one health worker and we don’t get a nurse, I think we will still face problems even with the new facility,” said Nim Dorji, a resident.
“In the past, we had an old and small BHU with fewer facilities. We had to carry patients to Thimphu. Now with the opening of a new BHU, I hope basic facilities will be available here,” said Kado, another resident.
“When the existing health worker has to attend training or other events, the centre remains closed. When he goes out on leave, villagers have to try to not fall sick,” said Gyem Tshering, Naro Gup.
According to the district health officer, he has already put in a request for a female health worker but hasn’t heard from the ministry.
The new health centre has basic amenities like patient wards, antenatal care, and emergency and immunisation services and intends to offer improved facilities.
Namgay Dema
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
