How will the National Referral Hospital in Thimphu be managed if it is granted autonomy? This was the question to the Health Minister, Tandin Wangchuk, was asked during the Question Time in the National Assembly.
The Boomdeling-Jamkhar MP Dupthob said the Prime Minister, while addressing the State of the Nation Report last year had mentioned about the plan to make Thimphu National Referral Hospital autonomous. If this is to happen, questioned the MP, how will health professionals manage the hospital?
He said providing basic health care to every citizen of the country is enshrined in the Constitution. “I am worried whether this purpose will be well served if the hospital becomes autonomous.”
MP Dupthob also questioned the Minister on how the financial support will be provided to the hospital.
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Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk said the Ministry has studied the advantages of giving autonomy to the hospital. He said experts were invited from the World Health Organization for recommendations.
Panbang MP, Dorji Wangdi, also said a time may come when the people will have to pay to avail health services if the autonomy of the hospital comes through.
The Health Minister assured that such a time will never come and that people will continue to enjoy free health services even the hospital becomes autonomous.
