The health ministry plans to acquire new diagnostic equipment and build a hospice facility for patients requiring long-term palliative care. Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk announced these plans in the National Assembly today while presenting the ministry’s initiatives to improve health services in the country. The minister was presenting the ministry’s report on implementation status, actions taken, and future plans for the resolutions passed by the first session of the Fourth Parliament.
The government has submitted a proposal to the World Health Organisation Country Office to procure an additional CT Scan machine and an MRI system for the national referral hospital. The minister said the hospital’s existing diagnostic equipment is insufficient for the increasing number of patients.
“Firstly, such equipment is insufficient here and as it is very expensive, we are unable to afford new equipment. Therefore, it hampers timely checkups and treatment. We are also worried about it,” said Tandin Wangchuk, Health Minister.
The ministry will also be constructing a hospice facility in Thimphu for terminally ill patients. Hospice care or palliative care is provided to patients who are near the end of life and have stopped treatment to cure or treat their diseases.
Speaking on actions taken on the resolutions passed by the first session of the fourth parliament, the minister said his ministry is proposing that District Health Officers or DHOs carry out administrative works to ensure smooth healthcare services.
The Good Governance Committee recommended health ministry relieve healthcare professionals from administrative activities during the summer session of the parliament.
“The chief medical officer or CMO will see the clinical functions and a Public Health Officer will be responsible for public health initiatives and disease prevention. Therefore, for administrative-related works, we will have DHOs in each district,” added the health minister.
In addition, the government plans to construct two new medical warehouses, one each in Samdrup Jongkhar and Paro to mitigate any potential medical shortages.
The minister said that the health ministry will work closely with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure the effective delivery of healthcare services.
Sangay Chozom
Edited by Phub Gyem
