Dungzam Basic Health Unit (BHU) under Boomdeling Gewog in Trashi Yangtse is in need of a female health worker. Womenfolk feel more at ease when attended by a woman, especially during pre and post-pregnancy cases. At present only a male Health Assistance managed to provide services to the public.
The issue was raised by Local Leaders during the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu (DT).
It has been more than 8 months without a female health worker in Dungzam BHU. Mostly the women feel uncomfortable to get a checkup from a male health worker.
“It was convenient before when we have a female health worker but nowadays without the sister, we being a woman hesitates especially when we do checkup during our pregnancy time,” said Kinley Lhamo, from Betsamang village, in Boomdeling Gewog.
“We feel very uncomfortable doing pap smear and giving birth, where we have to remove clothes in front of a male health assistant. If there is a female health worker, we could easily approach her and do all these without hesitation. We will be grateful to have one female health worker here,” added Karma Choden, from the same village.
Boomdeling Mangmi said, besides the need of a female health worker, they are already facing shortage of health worker in Boomdeling Gewog.
“Even students of Tarphel school visit the Dungzam BHU for a checkup, and with a lone health worker, it’s difficult to provide the services promptly. Moreover, the health assistant has to visit villages for monthly routine check-ups closing the BHU. Hence, people coming to avail the services in the BHU are affected,” said Tshering Wangchuk, the Mangmi of Boomdeling Gewog.
Meanwhile, Trashi Yangtse Dzongkhag Health officer said that the Dzongkhag is already having a shortage of health workers. However, health workers will be mobilised from the Dzongkhags to the BHU whenever the need arises.
Dungzam BHU sees around 200 patient every month.
Sonam Darjay
