The wait for a new primary healthcare centre in Merak in Trashigang is finally over. The new centre was inaugurated recently in commemoration of the birth of Her Royal Highness the Princess. The construction of the healthcare centre started some eight years ago but could not be completed on time.
Before the new primary healthcare centre, the people of Merak had an old centre for healthcare services.
But the old facility had developed cracks and was on the verge of collapse posing risk to patients and health workers.
Moreover, the facility was congested and inconvenient.
The new primary healthcare centre is more spacious. The centre will provide outpatient, delivery, minor nursing care and emergency services among others.
“Now we have a separate delivery room. We have almost all the facilities. There is even a staff quarter for the health workers. We also have a separate room for outpatient service. In the old centre, we had to provide outpatient and pharmacy services from one room. The new centre is convenient,” said Nima, Merak Gup.
“I am happy with the new healthcare centre. In the old centre, there was no proper space and it was inconvenient. The new one is spacious and clean,” said Rinchen Dema, a resident.
The construction of the new centre started in 2015 and was supposed to be completed in mid-2017. But the deadline was extended.
Eventually, the contract was terminated for failure to complete on time. An investigation was also carried out due to fraudulent practices and the Trashigang district court earlier this year ordered the contractor to restitute the money.
According to the district administration, they executed the remaining works such as electrification, plumbing and other finishing touches. The work started in March and was completed in a few months’ time. The district administration spent around Nu 2.45 M to complete it.
Including this, the entire expenditure of the new centre amounts to Nu 9.6 M.
Merak primary healthcare centre has a male and a female health worker.
The centre will benefit around 260 households with around 2,300 people in the Gewog.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Tshering Zam
