During the recent Tsirang Dzongkhag Tshogdu, local leaders once again raised the need for a dialysis machine at Damphu Hospital. The matter was also discussed during the last Dzongkhag Tshogdu. The house decided to write to the government, urging it to prioritise the installation of a dialysis machine at the hospital.
Kilkhorthang Gewog submitted the agenda this time, highlighting the urgent need for a dialysis machine at the 40-bed Damphu Hospital. Kilkhorthang Mangmi said it is challenging for kidney patients when they have to undergo treatments away from their homes, especially for those staying in rented houses.
According to the Bhutan Kidney Foundation, the district currently has 24 kidney patients. 18 of them are undergoing dialysis at the Central Regional Referral Hospital in Gelephu.
The Bhutan Kidney Foundation has a shelter for kidney patients accommodating 20 patients in Gelephu.
Some of the patients who requested anonymity told BBS that the majority of them would prefer returning to Tsirang if the government could provide them with a dialysis machine.
“The house rent here in Gelephu has increased sharply. The rent for the place where I stay at the moment has reached Nu 11,500 per month. As a result, my daughter is planning to move to Tsirang or elsewhere. I am left without a house here,” said Kidney Patient, Tsirang.
“It would be very convenient if we could have a dialysis machine in Tsirang. Travelling to Gelephu twice a week for dialysis is quite expensive,” said Kidney Patient, Tsirang.
“It is not much of a problem for patients who have relatives in Gelephu and Thimphu. But for those staying in rented houses, it is a huge burden. If we get a dialysis machine at Damphu Hospital, it will be of immense benefit to kidney patients. The dialysis facility will also benefit kidney patients from nearby districts like Dagana,” said Sonam Lhamo, Kilkhorthang Mangmi, Tsirang.
With no immediate plans to install a dialysis machine at the hospital, the house decided to write to the government expressing the urgent need for a dialysis machine in the district.
“According to Damphu Hospital’s chief medical officer, the health ministry prioritised a dialysis machine for Trashigang Hospital last year. The CMO is unsure when Tsirang will receive a dialysis machine,” said Gang Dorji, Deputy Chief District Public Health Officer, Tsirang.
“Since the government had prioritised a dialysis machine for Trashigang Hospital last year, we will now appraise the government to prioritise one dialysis machine for Damphu Hospital this year or by next year,” said Beda Moni Chamlagai, Chairperson, Tsirang Dzongkhag Tshogdu.
Until the government considers their request, kidney patients in the district will have to continue with the current arrangement.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Phub Gyem
