The acupuncture service at the national referral hospital now sees around 500 patients seeking treatment for chronic pain and other ailments every month. Introduced at the hospital earlier this year, the service has made referrals easier and allows for a more integrated approach to patient care.
Ugyen Tenda’s wife suffered a stroke in April this year, prompting the couple to travel from Trongsa to the national referral hospital for treatment.
The hospital has been caring for his 29-year-old wife for the past six months, during which they have been renting an apartment in Thimphu.
She was recently referred for acupuncture, and the couple now hopes the treatment will help improve her condition.
Ugyen Tenda said, “She did not have much energy before, but now she has improved and gained some strength. The physiotherapist suggested acupuncture, and we scheduled the appointment for today.”
They are not alone. More than 25 stroke patients receive acupuncture at the hospital twice a week. Patients with other conditions also seek treatment.
Baylamo, a stroke patient from Gelephu said, “After the stroke, I was not able to move at all. I was paralysed for three months. My daughter said a new acupuncture doctor has arrived, so I came here. Before, I was not even able to talk properly. Now I can because of the acupuncture.”
“My arm has been in pain for a while. I tried other treatments, but it never got better. I even went to the traditional hospital in Kawajangsa. I went there three or four times, but they don’t offer a massage or other services. After coming here for the third time, now my arm is a bit better,” said Dawa, a patient from Thimphu.
Phurpa Wangmo, a patient from Zhemgang said, “This helps a lot. I thank our government for introducing the service here. We are able to get this service. As long as we come here, they help us as much as possible.”
The hospital’s acupuncturist Dr Thupten Palzang, says offering the service within the hospital has created a more efficient system for immediate referrals.
“Most patients are referred from neurology, orthopaedics, and general OPD. There are a lot of patients who have survived stroke and suffer age-related diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. This improves our functionality and decreases our pain. ”
He added that the service could be further strengthened with additional facilities and equipment.
However, with acupuncture services currently available only in the capital, patients like Ugyen and his wife, who must travel from other districts, continue to face the challenges.
Health officials hope that, with the introduction of a master’s programme in acupuncture for drungtshos from various districts, the service will soon be decentralised.
Singye Dema
Edited by Sangay Chezom
