Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering called for unity in fulfilling the visions of our Monarchs. Lyonchhen laid out the government’s plan covering economy, education, health and technology for the country which will be launched within this year to commemorate the 40th Birthday of His Majesty The King.
Reassessing Thimphu Throm masterplan
One of the plans Lyonchhen shared with the nation is the reassessment of the Thimphu town masterplan. The concern of Thimphu turning into just an ordinary town has made the government look into other alternatives. The government plans to stretch Thimphu Town starting from Thimphu Dodennang to Paro Drukgyel along the Thimchhu and Pachhu.
Moreover, the entrance to Thimphu town, the Lungtenzampa bridge, will be reconstructed befitting the Bhutanese taste and architecture. Thimphu will also see a pedestrian-friendly road from Lungtenzampa to Chubachhu.
All referral cases to be sent via air
The Prime Minister also informed the nation that all patients referred to India for treatments will henceforth be sent via air. This, Lyonchhen said, is done because there are cases where the sick attendants also end up falling sick after a tiring journey by bus/train. According to a press release from the Health Ministry, referral cases by road lead to patients getting worsened and exposure to extreme weather conditions, theft, language barrier, food and lodging problems. Unexpected incidents such as car accidents, blockades, strikes and deteriorating condition of the patient as most referred patients suffering from a terminal illness and other unfavourable circumstances put the patient’s life in more danger.
The first group consisting of 10 patients and 11 attendants were sent via air to India today.
And in line with His Majesty’s concern over health, the government is also planning to come up with a specialised hospital to diagnose and treat all types of diseases within the country. Lyonchhen said facilities for kidney transplants will also be available in the country within this year.
New Tech Park to be constructed in Bongdeyma, Monggar
Embracing the Digital Drukyul flagship programme, Lyonchhen informed that Information and communications technology (ICT) will be implemented in all schools. Further, a Tech Park just like the one in Thimphu will also be constructed in Bongdeyma under Saling Gewog in Monggar.
And to support the ICT endeavours, the country will see a second internet gateway from Bangladesh through Samdrup Jongkhar. The Prime Minister said this will also be done within this year since the single international internet gateway that the country relies on, which is routed via Siliguri in India, needs a backup as the country gears toward a digital-driven world.
Revamping TVET
In order to produce employable and skilled youths, the government has taken on to revamp the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme. The Prime Minister said the government has finished working on it and will soon introduce the independent institute which will be known as Bhutan Institute of Technology.
Electric Train services between Thimphu and Paro
From the various plans to improve tourism, which is the backbone of the Bhutanese economy, the government will be working on the first phase of electric train services between Thimphu and Paro by this year.
The best gift for His Majesty
In conclusion, Lyonchhen called on everyone to contribute three doable feats towards celebrating the 40th Birthday of His Majesty The King: Everyone is asked to plant a tree and care for it, adopt a stray dog and commit to managing waste in their neighbourhood. This, he said, would be the best gift for His Majesty The King.
Sonam
