The health ministry’s fifth National Health Survey reveals that over 90 per cent of the population who accessed healthcare services last year are generally satisfied with the quality of care they received. This represents a slight decline compared to the 2012 report. The survey, which assessed access, utilisation, and satisfaction with health services, also indicates that most people now live near healthcare facilities.
The survey, conducted among over 40,500 people from around 12,000 households nationwide, highlights varying levels of satisfaction with healthcare services.
Residents of Trongsa, Monggar, and Samtse reported the highest satisfaction, while those in Phuentsholing Thromde, Thimphu Thromde, and Paro expressed the least satisfaction.
Additionally, the report found that nearly 80 per cent of the population lives within a 30-minute travel distance to the nearest healthcare facility.
“I live in Tashichhoeling, where we face difficulties in getting timely health services due to the limited number of doctors. However, the service at Samtse General Hospital is excellent. I brought my sick son to see the doctor, and I am very satisfied with the care we received. We didn’t have to wait long, and we received all the necessary medicines promptly,” said Tshering, a resident of Tashichhoeling Gewog, Samtse.
“Most of the time, we find empty chambers in the hospital. There is always a crowd at the hospital and it is very difficult, especially with the heat here. It is fine for us as men but there are elderly people and also people carrying children. I think this is the main issue here,” said Dawa Penjor, a resident of Phuentshogling, Chhukha.
The report also reveals that over 300 households sought medical treatment abroad. Additionally, nearly 3,000 respondents chose to visit healthcare facilities outside their community.
“Every time we come to the hospital, we always have to wait for a long time in line. I do not understand if there is a shortage of health staff here. We have to eventually go to India for treatment,” said Nado, another resident of Phuentsholing.
“If there are additional health workers, more equipment and a larger hospital, I think it would help deliver better services. Then I think the patients would not have to go abroad for medication, which is also considered risky,” said Karma Phuntsho Wangmo, a resident of Paro.
“I came all the way here to get treatment but in the end, it is disheartening to hear that there is no medicine,” said Lhamo, another resident of Paro.
“I feel like it is because of the huge population here in Paro. Except for holidays, the hospital is always packed, especially on Monday,” said Pem Tshering, also a resident of Paro.
“I went to Dewathang and Samdrup Jongkhar hospitals but I did not feel better. So I came here hoping to get treated. However, I could not meet the doctor last time and today as well. I am still in pain,” said Phuntsho Dema, a patient from Samdrup Jongkhar.
“In the past, I came to the hospital with an elderly in my family. I got very good service saying that I have accompanied an elderly person,” said Kencho Tshering, a resident of Thimphu.
The country has 845 health facilities, including one national referral hospital, two regional referral hospitals, 51 hospitals, 186 primary health centres, 51 sub-posts, and 554 outreach clinics.
The health ministry said that the final National Health Survey Report 2023 will be available by the end of this month. The national health survey is conducted every ten years.
Namgay Dema
Edited by Sherub Dorji
