The reopening of the Khangma Chiwog Sub-Post a month ago in Pema Gatshel has brought immense relief to villagers. Last year, its temporary closure due to a shortage of health assistants made accessing healthcare difficult. Now, with services restored, the community is grateful to have healthcare close to their home again.
Lungten, a resident from upper Khangma in Yurung Gewog, has been diagnosed with high blood pressure. He visits the sub-post for check-ups and medication refills.
Today, he is back for his medicine. Grateful for the service, Lungten expressed his happiness and said that the district hospital responded to their request and sent a health official to continue providing services in the village.
The health assistant of Nyaskhar chiwog in Chhimung Gewog which has comparatively fewer population has been posted to Khangma since early January.
Residents of Nyaskhar will be accessing basic healthcare services from Mikuri sub-post in Dungmin Gewog which is around 50 kilometres from their village.
Lungten Gyeltshen, a resident said “Having this service back has made a big difference. I need to take my medicine regularly, and now I can do so without having to travel far. It makes our lives much easier and it has even helped reduce our expenses.”
Other patients at the sub-post also expressed their relief and happiness.
Tenla who is a resident said “We are so happy since the health assistant arrived. We can eat and sleep better now. After the sub-post closed, getting treatment was a struggle but now we don’t have to travel far, even for minor issues like cuts.”
Sangay Wangchuk, Khangma Tshogpa said “If we need referral, we don’t have to worry about transportation. The health assistant handles everything, making it much easier for us.”
For nearly half of last year, villagers struggled during medical emergencies. They had to travel long distances to Yurung Primary Health Centre or Pema Gatshel District Hospital.
Khangma Tshogpa added that “For about six months last year, we faced many challenges. We worried for our patients’ lives as we had to take them to distant health centers.”
Resident Tenla said “Traveling to Pema Gatshel costs Nu 3,000 and Yurung costs Nu 2,000. It was especially stressful when patients were seriously ill. Now, we feel at ease with health staff accompanying us.”
The sub-post now serves around 500 people from over 100 households in Khangma Chiwog.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Phub Gyem
