Due to high radiation leakage the x-ray machine at Kanglung Basic Health Unit was forced to shut down since June this year. The BHU is now referring patients to Trashigang hospital and Yongphula to get the service.
The BHU stopped providing the service following a letter from the ministry. The ministry, after a study, found high radiation leakage from the x-ray room. The ministry ordered to immediately stop the service and carry out the necessary recommended rectification works.
The x-ray room was found congested with thin wall and wooden door that had many holes. When the door opened other BHU staff and patients were exposed to radiation leakage. According to the report from the ministry the machine has no chest stand and has its wheel broken.
The Dzongkhag’s Senior Health Officer, Tshewang Dorji, said the service has to be restored as soon possible but are faced with budget constraint. “If we get budget we can plan immediately and we can construct the x-ray unit,” he said, adding that he wasn’t sure when the budget would be allocated.
The BHU received its first X-ray machine in 2007 but the service could only be provided in 2009 after they got a technician. Since then the service has benefited a lot of people.
The Health Assistant, Kencho Dorji, who is currently the in-charge of the BHU said around 10 to 15 patients availed themselves of the x-ray services in a month.
Meanwhile, the BHU grade I is also left with no doctor since March this year. The BHU’s only doctor has left for further studies. The senior Dzongkhag Health Officer said when the country is facing acute shortage of doctors even in Thimphu, it is difficult to get doctors in the BHUs. He, however, said Trashigang hospital would soon get two doctors from Cuba.
