For years, arthritis patients in Sarpang had to endure long and difficult journeys to Thimphu for specialist care. But now, a video call at the Central Regional Referral Hospital in Gelephu is bringing doctors closer to patients, saving them time, money and hardship.
For 42-year-old Deo Maya Kami, visiting a specialist once meant a difficult journey to Thimphu. Living with joint-related issues and without a personal vehicle, travelling by bus was painful and expensive.
But today, a video call at the Central Regional Referral Hospital in Gelephu is bringing specialist care closer to home.
Deo Maya Kami says, “This is my first time receiving healthcare through a video call, and having this service available locally is a huge help. Without it, we would have to travel, which means extra expenses we can’t afford. We don’t own a car, and travelling by bus with my condition is nearly impossible.”
Deo Maya is not alone.
Sixty-year-old Chandra Maya Rai from Dekiling Gewog has also spent the past 15 years managing arthritis and making frequent hospital visits. Now, she receives specialist consultations right here in Gelephu.
Chandra Maya Rai says, “This service has been very helpful for us. It is much better to receive treatment here without having to travel to other places. We are grateful to everyone who made this service possible.”
The service is powered by advanced telemedicine equipment provided by the World Tele Initiative, a US-based non-profit organisation. The technology allows specialists to examine patients remotely, view medical images and listen to heart and lung sounds through connected devices, all in real time.
“There are many benefits of the teleconsultation services. The patients don’t have to travel to Thimphu and get the health services from here only. Moreover, they can get the appointments at the earliest. And now we have also plans to coordinate with other hospitals,” said Choeda Gyaltshen, the medical superintendent of the Gelephu CRRH.
In just two months, the Digital Health and Innovation Unit has already helped 36 patients access specialist care. Hospital officials estimate the consultations have helped patients save around Nu 300,000 in travel and related expenses.
“So far, over the course of two months, we have seen about 36 patients. On basic calculations, this has helped patients save around Nu 300,000 while greatly improving local access to specialist care,” said Jigme Yoezer, Lead for the Digital Health and Innovation Unit, Gelephu CRRH.
The service is expected to expand further. With support from the Ministry of Health, similar telemedicine facilities are planned for hospitals in Laya, Lunana, Samdrup Jongkhar and Bajo in Wangdue Phodrang. Officials say rheumatology is only the beginning, with plans to introduce more specialised services, including Tele-ICU care in the future.
For patients in Sarpang, specialist care once meant a long journey. Today, that journey has been shortened to a video call. As digital healthcare expands, distance is becoming less of a barrier between patients and the doctors they need.
Passang Dorji/Karma Wangdi, Gelephu
Edited by Phub Gyem
