The worsening condition of Pungtenchhu’s Primary Healthcare Centre in Tsirang has alarmed the residents. Concerns are growing over the safety of both patients and health workers. Residents are calling authorities to either renovate or rebuild the structure. The healthcare centre was constructed in 2012.
The structure of the centre has visible cracks, making some facilities unusable.
Cracks in the toilet door have made it difficult to close properly and rats have entered the store through cracks, damaging essential medical supplies.
Rainwater is seeping through the kitchen roof, where medical equipment is sterilised. Health workers have been forced to install temporary supports to prevent further deterioration.
Sources say the cracks started appearing just two years after the structure was constructed.
“We are very concerned about the state of our healthcare centre. During a recent medical check-up, people gathered at the centre and I feared the structure might collapse. We now have to be extra cautious when visiting it,” said Choedra, a resident.
Peljorling Tshogpa Krishna Lal Sanyasi said,”Residents in our chiwog have attempted small-scale renovations with cement and sand, with support from the gewog administration. But despite these efforts, the cracks persist and have now become a serious safety hazard. The building’s poor condition also puts the health workers at risk.”
“Getting to a hospital further away is often a struggle because we don’t always have transport. But using the centre in its current state puts both the young and the elderly in danger. It would be a great relief if the centre could be repaired soon,”said Sarita Sanyasi, a resident.
In 2022, the Tsirang District Administration advised the centre to stop providing inpatient services at the centre considering its risk.
The centre now only handles brief observations and refers patients to the 10-bed Tsirang Toed Hospital, which is a 40-minute drive away.
Since then, the centre sees around 11 patients daily.
Peljorling Tshogpa said, “The Dzongrab visited the centre and advised us not to keep patients for long due to safety concerns, especially in case of a natural disaster like an earthquake. We have been instructed to refer all patients to Tsirang Toed Hospital.”
The issue was also raised in the last National Assembly session where Tsirang’s Member of Parliament called on the health ministry to take action.
The Chief Medical Officer of Damphu Hospital said despite being aware of the problem, the management could not prioritise renovation of the centre this fiscal year.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Sangay Chezom
