The dzongkhag hospital of Wangdue Phodrang will soon be shifted to the new 60-bed hospital across the Bajo town. This has left the residents of the Bajo town unhappy. They say there is a need for a health unit in the place of the old hospital. The old hospital is located near the town.
“For people like us who don’t have a vehicle, it will be inconvenient for us to travel 3 to 4 kilometres to the new hospital. If a BHU is opened near the town it will be helpful for residents here,” Kuenga Dorji, a resident, said.
“If a smaller hospital with a couple of doctors is kept in the existing location it will be helpful for the people in the town. It will take around an hour to travel to the new hospital,” Kinley Dorji, another resident, said.
People have also suggested constructing a bridge between the town and the hospital. But it is not in the plan as of now.
The Chief Dzongkhag Health Officer of Wangdue Phodrang, Zangmo said it is too early to predict future problems before the operation of the new hospital. She said the new hospital with all the required facilities will be able to provide better services to the people.
According to the official from the Ministry of Health, there are no plans for any other health centres in Bajo in the 12th five-year plan.
The new hospital will have medical specialists, surgeons, gynaecologist, emergency physicians among others.
The hospital is also identified as EMONC and Trauma centre and will cater medical services also to the people of Gasa, Punakha, Tsirang and Dagana.
The construction of the new hospital is funded by Puntshangchhu Hydroelectric Project Authority.
