The Rangaytung Primary Healthcare Centre in Samphelling Gewog in Phuentshogling is in urgent need of maintenance. However, due to the high cost involved, the Gewog administration has been unable to carry out the necessary repairs. The unit was constructed in 2013 at a cost of more than Nu 22 M.
The primary healthcare centre is located on a hill above the Pasakha-Manitar road in Pasakha. The facility boasts of more than 20 rooms and 12 toilets. But, it is in dire need of maintenance.
Years of wear and tear have taken a toll on the structure with water leakage staining the walls. Roofs are deteriorating and windows are falling apart.
And in just about ten years, the facility’s condition is rapidly worsening.
Samphelling Gup Ram KumarRai said, “The infrastructure is huge and that’s why it is difficult to carry out the maintenance works. Two years ago, an engineer carried out the estimation and it came to around Nu 3.5 million which is beyond the capacity”
“Gewog has a limited budget and maintenance cost will be high. Therefore, the gewog can’t be repaired. There is also no doctor, affecting the service delivery,” said Sengyegang- Tshochhungna Tshogpa Rinchen.
Besides, human resource shortage is another issue.
The Gup added, “Services are limited and most cases are referred to the hospital in Phuentshogling so it is challenging for the patients. There is also only one health assistant and when he has to go out for training and outreach clinic visits, there is no one to provide the services”
Sources say that, aside from services like mother and child health care and NCD checkups, many people prefer visiting the hospital in Phuentshogling. They said if another health facility is constructed nearby, there are plans to handover the structure to the nearby primary school.
The future of the facility remains uncertain. Its condition continues to deteriorate, posing increasing risks to visitors.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
