Recently, many patients with minor illnesses have been visiting the National Referral Hospital, leading to overcrowding and long waiting times. Although six Thromde Health Centres in Thimphu are already operational, many people are not using these facilities. The National Referral Hospital is now urging the public to visit the centres first for minor ailments.
Rinchen Wangmo and Karma Yangzom, both from Babesa, arrive at the Semtokha Thromde Health Centre and register for consultation.
Rinchen is seeking treatment for a stomach ache, while Karma has come for a headache check-up and to bring her child for routine weighing.
For them, the decision was simple.
The National Referral Hospital is far from their home, and securing an appointment there can be difficult. At times, they say, tokens run out early in the day.
Here at the health centre, the process is quicker and more convenient.
Rinchen Wangmo said, “I heard about this centre from my friend. As it is near my home, it’s convenient for me to visit here. If we go to the National Referral Hospital, sometimes there is a shortage of tokens, but here, we get the services promptly.”
“I bring my child here for routine weighing. As my home is nearby and considering the convenience of the centre, I come here. The hospital used to be a bit inconvenient for us,” added Karma Yangzom.
Semtokha is one of six Thromde Health Centres in Thimphu. The others are located in Babena, Debsi, Changjiji, Motithang and Dechencholing. Medical officers are stationed at all centres except Debsi and Changjiji.
The centres provide a range of services, including OPD consultations, X-rays, maternal and child health care, immunisation, and medication refills.
Despite these services, many residents remain unaware of the facilities or continue to prefer the National Referral Hospital. As a result, the hospital faces heavy patient loads, with some people waiting for hours and at times even days for consultation.
Others, however, are gradually discovering the benefits of visiting the health centres.
“I stay at the main town, but the grandparents stay near RTC. It’s been a while since the grandmother fell sick. When I suggested visiting the hospital, they told me that a centre is here, and we came here. I haven’t been here before,” said Pema Wangda, a patient escort.
“I get medicines from here. They provide medicine for constipation and unclear vision. Today, I came to get some sleeping tablets for my insomnia,” said Karchung, a patient residing near Royal Thimphu College.
Through these centres, the government aims to ease overcrowding at the National Referral Hospital, reduce long waiting times, and ensure the hospital focuses on specialised treatment and referral cases
Kelzang Chhophyel
Edited by Sangay Chezom
