The Kidu Mobile Medical Unit team from Bhutan has resumed its free medical services at Bodh Gaya after three years amid the pandemic. Thousands of pilgrims gather every year at the sacred Buddhist pilgrimage centre to attend the teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The team began its medical services on 4th December and will continue till the end of next month.
The Kidu Medical Team in Bodh Gaya has been set up at the Royal Bhutanese Temple at Bodh Gaya.
The medical unit was first started in December 2016 upon the Royal command of His Majesty The King. However, it was discontinued after the onset of the pandemic.
Every month, a team of a doctor, a nurse, and a pharmacist take turns providing medical services. This year, a team flew to set up the unit in December coinciding with DrukAir’s first flight from Paro to Bodh Gaya.
As of today, 267 patients have availed of the health services. Among those availing of the service, the oldest was an 88-year-old male and the youngest was a two-year-old. Health officials say the majority of the patients are above the age of 50.
Some of the common problems faced by Bhutanese are respiratory problems associated with dust and cold. The medical unit also receives patients with acute gastritis due to the food they consume.
People with minor accidents such as bruises and aches also avail of the service. In addition, most people with chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes come to collect medicines when they run out of stock.
However, the medical refers patients who are severely ill either back to Thimphu or Kolkotta as the medical unit only carries medicines to cover real emergencies.
“We manage the patient and most patients, if it is really acute then they pay themselves, the cost of treatment because it is not in our referral area. Our referral area is Kolkotta. On the other side, we can stabilise the patient, we send the patient back to Bhutan. We arrange the transport and from Paro, the patient is picked up by an ambulance and they bring them to Thimphu and treat them here,” said Dr Phurb Dorji from the team.
Furthermore, the medical team recommends pilgrims be well-prepared before they leave for the trip.
“I would like to request all the concerned authorities and people going on pilgrimage, especially even by the local government when Gups and Tshogpa can implement that people who go on pilgrimage to India should have health insurance. So that if they get sick in India, they can use that health insurance money to cover the treatment,” added Dr Phurb Dorji.
The team is anticipating over a thousand people availing of the service by the end of the camp.
Devika Pradhan
Edited by Sonam Pem
