For residents of three remote chiwogs in Trashi Yangtse, access to basic healthcare remains a challenge. Besides not having access to motorable roads, there is only one health assistant to provide healthcare services to all three chiwogs. Amid these challenges, residents are calling for the deployment of an additional female health worker at their health centre.
The Melongkhar Primary Health Centre caters to the people of Dhugti-Gashing, Namthig-Yerphel, and Chhema-Melongkhar Chiwogs under Yalang Gewog.
On an average, the centre attends to around 10 patients every day.
Currently, a lone male health assistant provides basic healthcare services to the people.
The people of Dhugti-Gashing and Namthig-Yerphel Chiwogs have to walk for nearly two hours to reach the centre.
Residents say that when the health assistant goes out on official duty, the centre remains closed.
They say having a female health worker would make it easier, especially for women.
Ugyen Wangmo, a resident of Chhema said, “If there is a female health worker, it would be more convenient for us. Many women feel uncomfortable during pregnancy check-ups and procedures like Pap smears. Also, when the health assistant goes out on official duty, the centre remains closed.”
Cheten, Chhema- Melongkhar Tshogpa said, “Having an additional female health worker would make a big difference. Women often feel shy discussing maternal health issues with a male health worker. Some even have to travel to Trashigang or Trashi Yangtse hospitals, which is a burden for our people.”
A resident of Melongkhar, Chimi Zangmo said, “Without road access, it is difficult to travel elsewhere for healthcare services. We also hesitate to discuss women-related health issues with a male health worker. Being in a remote area, we really need a female health worker here.”
Meanwhile, the Dzongkhag Health Officer said that due to a nationwide shortage of health workers, deploying additional staff immediately is not possible.
However, the dzongkhag is working closely with the Ministry of Health to address the issue.
The Melongkhar Primary Health Centre currently serves 105 households, including school staff, across the three chiwogs in Yalang Gewog.
Sonam Darjay, Trashi Yangtse
