Residents of Nganglam in Pema Gatshel will have their much-awaited 50-bed hospital in the 13th Five-Year Plan if everything goes as planned. The ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the hospital was held yesterday. Construction of the hospital is one of the pledges the Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa made during the 2021 Nganglam bye-election. However, according to the health secretary, the health ministry is currently exploring funds to commence construction in the upcoming Five Year Plan.
Community members, government officials, and healthcare professionals came together for the ground-breaking ceremony. With construction set to commence in the 13th Five-Year Plan, residents are looking forward to receiving efficient and timely medical care, closer to their homes.
“The completion of the hospital will be beneficial not only to the people of Nganglam Dungkhag but also for the residents of Weringla in Monggar, and Panbang in Zhemgang. With the availability of specialist doctors and improved facilities, the quality of healthcare services will undoubtedly be enhanced,” said Sherab Zangpo, Nganglam Dungpa.
“We have to go to Gelephu, Monggar and sometimes beyond, travelling long distances, especially during delivery cases. I have observed so many challenges that the residents face without a hospital,” said Tshering Chojay, a resident.
“We face difficulties when referring patients to Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar and Monggar. Now, if the hospital is constructed, it will benefit as the people don’t have to travel to other districts,” said Kinley Dorji, Norbugang Gup.
“At one point in time, we thought we may not be getting this hospital. But the groundbreaking ceremony took place today. The people of three gewogs are happy now,” said Shacha Zangpo, a resident.
Currently, patients requiring advanced treatment are being sent to referral hospitals due to a lack of specialists and medical facilities in Nganglam Dungkhag. The residents are hopeful that the construction works will commence at the earliest.
“Construction can commence very soon. So, I think that will give a very good result in the future,” said Tshering Chojay, a resident.
“Our hope is that the construction will be completed within one to two years after the ground-breaking ceremony today,” said Shacha Zangpo, a resident.
“Now, regarding the construction, we are hoping to start it very soon and we are also requesting to commence it as soon as possible,” said Kinley Dorji, Norbugang Gup.
Meanwhile, in a letter addressed to Pema Gatshel Dzongda, the Health Secretary stated that the ministry had to drop the plan to construct the hospital in the 12th Five Year Plan due to the unavailability of budget. The letter also states that the drawings and estimates for the hospital have been completed and that the ministry will be exploring funds to construct it in the 13th Five Year Plan.
“We, the people of the Dungkhag must not feel upset or worried. Although it is a matter of time, we would like to say that the construction of this hospital will be completed in the 13th Five Year Plan,” said Sherab Zangpo, Nganglam Dungpa.
The expansion of Nganglam Hospital from 10 beds to 50 beds is expected to bring about significant improvements in the healthcare services for the residents of Nganglam.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Phub Gyem
