During the question-hour session in the National Council yesterday, the health minister said that the 145 health workers who will be hired from foreign countries will be placed at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital. The minister added that this decision will address the shortage of health workers in the country as a temporary measure until the country has enough health workers.
Sarpang’s Member of Parliament, Pema Tashi, questioned the health minister about the foreign health workers and their placement. He said that the language barrier could be a concern if they are placed in rural areas.
“We are going to place all 145 foreign health workers at JDWNRH to address the shortage of 380 nurses, taking into account the language barrier. 70 nurses will be placed at the national referral hospital and 75 will work at the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital,” said Tandin Wangchuk, Health Minister.
The minister was also asked about transfer issues in the health sector and plans to reduce the attrition.
To this, the health minister said that the ministry received several letters about transfer concerns and acknowledged the urgency of the issue.
“Transfer issues in the health sector are as persistent as in other sectors. We hope that other ministries will facilitate transfers of employees whose spouses work in the health sector. Allowing only a few health workers to transfer to different districts might encourage others to leave the sector, worsening the shortage. The National Medical Service is working on this.”
Currently, the country has a shortage of about 1,500 health workers including sub-specialists, doctors, nurses, supporting staff, health assistants, and technicians.
Sonam Yuden and Pema Tshomo
Edited by Sonam Pem
