Cleft lips, hand deformities and burn injuries have long affected the lives of many patients. A 10-day plastic and reconstructive surgery camp at the Eastern Regional Referral Hospital in Monggar offered a new beginning. 58 patients received corrective surgeries, many walking away with life-changing results.
For years, many patients lived with conditions that made simple daily activities difficult. Some were born with cleft lips. Others lived with hand deformities or scars from severe burns. Along with physical challenges, many also faced stigma.
Now, their lives are beginning to change.
Doctors say all 58 surgeries carried out during the 10-day camp were successful. A team of surgeons performed restorative procedures to help patients regain function, confidence and comfort.
Among them is 13-year-old Sangay Tshering, a class four student from Wengkhar in Monggar. When he was nine, he was burned while pouring petrol into a bukhari. The injury caused a scar contracture around his neck, making it difficult for him to move his head.
Now, after surgery, he is slowly regaining that movement.
Sangay Tshering said, “Earlier, I could not twist or turn my head because of the burn contracture. Now, after the surgery, I can move it.”
Another patient’s family also hopes the surgery will improve their child’s daily life.
“When my son was nine months old, he fell into a fire when no one was around. His hand was deformed. People often look at it with uneasiness, which is difficult for him and for us as parents. We brought him here for surgery. Even if it does not return to normal, any improvement will make us happy,” said Tempa Gyeltshen, a patient attendant.
Since 2011, more than 900 patients in Bhutan have received treatment through these camps. The programme is a joint initiative between the Ministry of Health and Interplast Australia and New Zealand, a non-profit organisation.
Reconstructive Surgeon Dr Sonam Jamtsho said, “The Memorandum of Understanding between Interplast and the Ministry of Health is that Interplast will provide surgical services, equipment and manpower, with the aim of developing local capacity. They are not only here to provide surgical services, but also to transfer knowledge and skills to our local counterparts so that our plastic and reconstructive surgery team becomes stronger and better able to manage complex cases.”
A new agreement signed in 2023 makes the surgery camp an annual event.
Health officials also encourage people with treatable conditions to seek medical help. Last year, the National Referral Hospital established a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit under the Department of Surgery to strengthen these services in the country.
Namgay Wangchuk, Monnggar
