It has been years since Khatoekha Hospital in Lokchina, Chhukha, received X-ray equipment. But to date, the machine remains uninstalled and unused. The equipment, which was never put to use due to the absence of a standard room, now faces compatibility issues with the required electrical voltage. The Annual Audit Report 2023–2024 also highlighted this as a serious concern, citing the failure to utilise the equipment for its intended purpose, resulting in the waste of resources.
Khatoekha Hospital received the X-ray equipment in July 2021.
It remains unpacked and uninstalled to this day.
Initially, the equipment could not be used due to the lack of a standard room. Although a room was later constructed, the installation was further delayed due to power voltage issues.
This setback adds to the hospital’s long-standing issue of operating without a doctor for several years, forcing residents to travel to hospitals in Gedu and Phuentshogling for medical services.
Lokchina Gup Tham Bdr Rai said, “We all tried, including the district and the Dungkhag. With a small fund support from the district, we managed to make a standard room for the equipment. However, there are now issues with power voltage, which is difficult for us to understand. As a result, the equipment remains unused.”
Sandeep Kumar Rai, a resident said, “Not having the X-ray machine operational has caused us lots of issues. We are located far away from Phuentshogling, and farmers here have to travel all the way to hospitals in Phuentshogling just for an X-ray even for a small fracture. Having the facility here will greatly benefit us.”
Bom Bdr Rai, another resident said, “We do not have a good road. It becomes almost inaccessible during the monsoon. Just for a minor fracture and X-ray, we have to travel far. We have heard that the machine has been here for a long time, but has not been installed. Therefore, if they can expedite the installation, it will benefit people a lot.”
Likewise, Ram Dhan Rai said, “We have a hospital here, but it has remained without a doctor for years. We really hope our government will hear our problems and send a doctor soon because it is really difficult to travel to other hospitals, especially those without a vehicle. Moreover, people from over five gewogs visit the Khatoekha Hospital.”
According to hospital officials, efforts are underway to install the equipment as soon as possible, with technical teams from Phuentshogling Hospital frequently visiting Khatoekha to assess and resolve the issues.
The officials said the power issue has been resolved and a team from the Department of Biomedical Engineer in Thimphu is expected to visit the hospital to install the equipment.
The RAA, in its report, recommended exploring strategies to put the 1.3-million-ngultrum worth equipment to intended use.
Until the machine is installed and a doctor is sent to interpret the X-Ray image, residents of Lokchina Gewog and nearby areas such as Dungna, Maedtekha, and Phuentshogling will have to continue relying on hospitals in Gedu and Phuentshogling for medical services.
Kinley Dem
Edited by Phub Gyem
