During the National Assembly’s question hour on Friday, several MPs raised concerns about the shortage of health workers in remote areas and how it continues to strain the country’s health system. Highlighting the concern, the Khatoed-Laya MP said that although the sub-post in Lungo is complete, residents are still waiting for services to begin.
Once functional, the Lungo sub-post is expected to benefit 63 households in Lungo, which is about a three-hour walk from Laya Gewog in Gasa.
The MP said that, unlike the Laya BHU-which has two health assistants, Lungo sub-post has no staff, putting residents at serious health risk.
“The sub-post was completed last year. However, the electricity connection is still pending. We plan to complete the electrification this month. Once that’s done, medical equipment will be provided and a health worker will be deployed. The sub-post is expected to be fully operational within this year,” said the health minister.
The health minister added that Laya BHU, due to its remoteness, is already being used as a Primary Health Care Centre with five beds. Currently, male health workers provide services. To improve this, the ministry is planning to send a doctor, three more health staff, a lab technician, and a dental hygienist. X-ray and ultrasound services are also planned for the BHU.
Likewise, Lingmukha-Toedwang MP Namgay Wangchuk raised staffing concerns at Samdingkha BHU in Punakha. He said the BHU serves multiple gewogs and a significant number of visitors to Chubu Tsachu during the peak season.
“Around 3,000 to 4,000 people gather there. Therefore, with only two HA, it becomes challenging for them to provide services. Hence, an additional Ha and an ambulance has become a necessity. How is the Ministry planning to address this need?”
According to the health minister, the existing staff is adequate to serve this number of patients. However, the minister informed the House that the ministry will carry out necessary monitoring, surveys, and research to assess the actual needs of Samdingkha BHU.
Devika Pradhan
Edited by Sonam Pem
