In Samtse, concerns are growing over the delay in repairing the district hospital’s CT scan machine. The machine broke down in April. The issue has forced many patients to travel to Thimphu or even across the border for scans. The matter was also raised at the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu.
The CT scan machine, installed two years ago, is now lying idle due to a breakdown. Its UPS or backup power system is damaged. It helps to keep the machine running during power cuts.
“We have heard there is a CT scan machine at Samtse hospital, but it has not made much difference because the service is no longer available. Samtse has a large population, and people are being forced to travel to India or Thimphu for scans. With more industries coming up, having this service here is becoming essential,” said Som Rah Gurung, a resident.
“Not having the CT scan service is a real concern. Travelling to Thimphu is costly, and for people like us, it is not easy. We have to work hard and save up before we can even think about going there,” said Dhan Lachi Rai, another resident.
Ugyentse Gup Karna Bdr Thakuri said, “There are many reasons why we need this service here. First, Samtse has a large population. Also, there are many industries in the area.”
It is even more important to have a UPS since Samtse experiences frequent power fluctuations.
Interim Chief Medical Officer of Samtse Hospital, Karma Yeshey Wangmo said, “It took one and a half months to find and fix the problem. Then, two more months to bring the new UPS. Now, engineers from India are needed to install it. The equipment and parts don’t come from India or America; they have to come all the way from Norway, which is why it is taking so long.”
The hospital has now installed the UPS and added a new stabiliser, but the voltage issue is still causing problems.
And people of Samtse will have to continue waiting for the service to resume.
Kinley Dem, Samtse
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
