It has been almost a month that the two dialysis machines at the Gelegphu Central Regional Referral Hospital have been out of order. There are 13 patients and they are all being referred to National Referral Hospital in Thimphu.
According to Yeshi Lhamo, a bio-medical technician, they haven’t been able to detect the problem. “When we contacted the engineer he said maybe there is problem with the motor. We even did motor binding as per his instruction but didn’t work,” she said.
Meanwhile, the patients who have been referred to Thimphu expressed concerns that they do not get enough dialysis as the hospital already has a lot of patients suffering from kidney disease.
“It is really inconvenient for us,” said Karchung. “Firstly, we have to arrange accommodation because we don’t have any relative here. Fearing my health condition might deteriorate I am enduring all the problems,” he added.
Another patient, Bhoj Raj Gurung, said patient like who are employed have to take leave. “Three to four days are wasted just like that.”
While the unit waits for the engineer to arrive, patients will have to continue availing themselves of the dialysis service at the national referral hospital despite the inconveniences.
