The construction of the much-awaited new Central Regional Referral Hospital in Gelegphu has finally begun. The ground-breaking ceremony for the construction was held, yesterday.
The new Central Regional Referral hospital in Gelephu will be constructed opposite to the existing hospital. The hospital will be 150 bedded, three times the size of the present hospital with improved service delivery.
The Director General of Department of Medical Sciences, Ugen Dophu, said for Bhutan, constructing 150 bedded CRRH is another milestone in developing a free, fair and equitable health system for Bhutanese population.
The Health Minister, Tandin Wangchuk, said the new hospital will come as a as a great relief to the people in the region. He said patients are often kept outside, along the corridors, during summer when the patients’ load increases. “The few specialists we have here are the only ones in the whole region. Hence the award for the construction of this 150 bedded hospital comes as a great relief to the people of the region.”
Meanwhile, the Counsellor from the Indian Embassy, Nina Tshering la said timely completion of the project is important. “We know existence of good hospital or medical facility for that matter close to our residence is very reassuring and we hope this project sees a timely completion.”
On completion, the hospital will not only benefit the people of Gelegphu and Sarpang but also the people of nearby dzongkhags like Tsirang, Dagana, Zhemgang, Pemagatsel, Samdrup Jongkhar, Trongsa and Bumthang.
The construction of the new hospital is funded by the Government of India and is worth Nu.620 million. It is a forty five months’ project.
