Finally, the X-ray machine at Buli Hospital in Zhemgang is expected to be installed within a week. The hospital received the machine a few years ago but it was not operational. This has resulted in inconvenience for patients availing themselves of the healthcare services as they were usually referred to Zhemgang, Yebilaptsa and even Gelephu hospitals. People say this adds more financial burden to them.
The Buli Hospital received the X-ray machine in 2021 but the machine is still not installed.
Although there is an X-ray technician, she has been assisting with ultrasound services.
So, without the X-ray service, people of Buli and nearby gewogs are facing difficulties as they have to travel longer distances to get their X-rays done.
They said it would be convenient if the machine is made operational at the earliest.
“We do not know why it was left idle. As per my knowledge, the X-ray machine has been there since 2021 with an X-ray room being constructed and a technician as well. However, I do not know why it is still not operational,” said Tshering Tenzin, a resident.
“Not only Nangkor Gewog, we have people in two other neighbouring gewogs, Shingkhar and Bardo who visit the hospital for health services. However, in the absence of such a facility, we have to avail ourselves of X-ray services from Yabilaptsha and Zhemgang hospitals, which incurs extra expenditure. So, if this issue could be addressed, it will be convenient for the people of the three gewogs,” said Sonam Yeshi, another resident.
“Without the service at Buli, we have to travel to Yebilaptsa and even Gelephu. So, people have to spend more on travelling and the roads are not in good condition as well. So, it is difficult for us,” said Tashi Tobgay, who is also a resident.
However, these problems are expected to be solved soon as the machine will be installed within a week.
The Zhemgang district health officer said the installation of the machine got delayed due to the construction of X-ray rooms and the wrong procurement of lead sheet among others. The district health officer added that the lead sheet that they had procured earlier turned out to be of the wrong specifications and had to be returned which took time.
However, district health officer said his office will expedite the process and get the X-ray machine operational as soon as possible.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Tshering Zam
