The nearly two-decade-old Basic Health Unit (BHU) of Phegpari under Thrimshing Dungkhag in Trashigang has become a sorry sight for the visitors today. There is barely a proper space for the increasing population. Moreover, it has become unsafe as cracks have developed on the walls. People are calling for urgent intervention.
The three-unit BHU caters to the staff of Thrimshing Dungkhag, Dungkhag Court, a primary school, community police centre, and a few chiwogs of Thrimshing and Khaling Gewogs. Let alone a comfortable space for patients, there is not even a proper place to store medicines.
A villager, Sonam Choden, said it is inconvenient for people vising the BHU as the space is too small. She said it would be a great favour if they get bigger and better facilities.
“The BHU is located in a sloppy area and it is risky for our children when we bring them for check-ups. The space inside the BHU is also cramped,” said Phuntsho Wangmo, another villager.
According to the health assistant, Sonam Lhendup, the compact space hampers service delivery. He said the poor accommodation especially affects child delivery services.
The issue was even discussed during the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu.
However, it won’t be long before the community gets a new BHU. About Nu 4 M has been allocated for the construction.
“We have allocated a budget to construct a new structure in this Five Year Plan. The new site has already been identified and we will start the construction soon,” said Gang Dorji, the District Health Officer.
The new BHU will be located just below the current structure.
Today, a lone health assistant is stationed at the unit and the unit caters to about 15 people daily. The BHU was constructed in 2004.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Chayku
