Damphu hospital in Tsirang currently has only one medical doctor who attends to an average of over 150 ODP patients daily.
Apart from that, the lone doctor has to cater to emergency patients. Due to overwhelming workload, the doctor said he is not able to give enough time to patients, thereby compromising quality health service.
Dr. Tshering Penjor also said as per the Royal Civil Service Commission, Damphu hospital has three doctors. However, two are pursuing master’s course in Thimphu.
“From morning till 11 am, I need to visit patients in wards to check on their health progress. After that, I have to return to my chamber to attend OPD patients,” said Dr. Tshering Penjor, adding that it is extremely challenging to give equal time and attention to every patient.
Patients said due to extreme shortage of doctors, they are bearing the brunt since it results in deficient health care. They also said they have to wait in queue for hours to meet the doctor. For other sick people coming from far flung places, the problem is more severe. One such patient is 31-year-old Som Maya Tamang. He travelled from Semjhong, which is 21 kilometres away from the hospital.
“When it rains, traveling becomes risky and upon reaching here, I have to wait another good amount of time to see the doctor,” added Som Maya Tamang.
Other patients said the situation will improve if government consides deploying one more doctor at Damphu hospital.
“Amidst waiting for a doctor, some urgent personal works come up and during such time, we become indecisive,” said a patient, Dorji Wangchuk.
For a time being, the health assistants are helping the doctor to check patients. After Gelegphu, Damphu hospital also receives one of the highest patients in southern region.
