Of the 10 proposals, the cabinet has approved frameworks for the establishment of six private diagnostic facilities in the country last week. But they are yet to be selected by the Health Ministry. The facilities will only diagnose the diseases and give reports.
There are four proposals for Phuentsholing and one each for Gelephu and Thimphu. All these will be rendering diagnostic facilities only and not the prescription or treatment facilities.
“In any country, diagnostic facilities do not prescribe. They just do the diagnosis part like ultrasound, X-ray or endoscopy and give the report. The patients then have to meet the physician,” Dr. Ugen Dophu, Director, Department of Medical Services.
Through such facilities, the Health Ministry expects the unit to carry out medical screening of expatriates that are likely to arrive because of the mega hydro power projects.
Dr. Ugen Dophu added even Bhutanese can do periodic medical check-ups and get diagnosed early, which at the moment is not possible.
The Drug Regulatory Authority and Bhutan Medical and Health Council will monitor the services provided by these private entities.
