Kick-starting some of the major pledges the Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa made during the Chhoekhor_Tang bye-election in Bumthang last autumn, Wangdicholing General Hospital officially received a surgeon and an endoscopy machine, yesterday. The surgeon has been temporarily transferred to the district from Phuentshogling General Hospital. The DNT promised to provide four specialists for Bumthang during the bye-election campaign.
The government prioritised introducing an endoscopy service in Bumthang as the district stands the third in terms of stomach cancer cases in the country, today. The government purchased the endoscopy machine through the health flagship programme.
“The machine is more like a gift from His Majesty The King to the people of Bumthang. We are thankful to the Prime Minister and the Health Minister for the support. This will not just benefit the people of Bumthang but also those in the neighbouring districts. I am excited about the new service,” said Chhoekhor Tang’s Member of Parliament Dawa.
He added the newly joined surgeon will set up an Operating Theatre and assess the feasibility of accommodating other specialist services at the hospital.
“The surgeon will make the necessary arrangements to set up an OT and assemble the required equipment. The other specialists will then join the hospital. It will be a waste of resources if we deploy all the specialists at the hospital at the same time without an OT ready.”
The surgeon will take care of the endoscopy service till August. After that, he will leave for further studies. Two surgeons who are currently studying at the Khesar Gyelpo University of Medical Sciences will replace him. After about a week of assessment, the surgeon says Wangdicholiong General Hospital has the capacity to provide specialist services.
“If the government provides support with budget and personnel, the hospital can cater specialist services not just to Bumthang but the whole central region of the country. After three to four months, nurses and anaesthetist to help the surgeon will also join the hospital. So we are hopeful that we can conduct even major surgeries here soon,” said Dr Sonam Jamthso, the surgeon who recently joined the Wangdicholing General Hospital.
So far, more than 30 people have already availed themselves of the service.
“We didn’t have any doubt in the government when they pledged about providing the specialist service during the bye-election. The endoscopy facility will benefit people in Bumthang and the neighbouring districts. We no longer have to visit Thimphu and Monggar referral hospitals. I had the privilege of getting the service today and I am happy,” said Sangay Dema, a resident of Bumthang town.
The endoscopy service will be available from 6 am to 12 pm daily. And people in other gewogs can make an appointment for the service from their nearest health facility.
Kipchu, Bumthang
