As more positive cases are being detected across the country, the Health Ministry urges people who are suffering from flu-like symptoms to visit the flu clinics. Timely testing will help trace contacts and intervene effectively. However, one cannot simply walk in, overcrowd and overwhelm the flu clinics. People are advised to call the hotline numbers 2121, 6060 or 112 before heading to the flu clinics.
Rixin Jamtsho, the Chief Program Officer of the department of public health said the hotline officials will then verify and advise accordingly.
“The hotline people will ask basic signs and symptoms and that call history will be verified by police while travelling to the flu clinic,” he added.
Following the cluster outbreak in the capital, the health ministry established two additional flu clinics in Thimphu which started its operation beginning today. One is at Nima School in Taba which will target the residential areas in the North of Thimphu which include Kabiesa, Dechencholing, Taba, Langjopakha, Kawajangsa, Zilukha, Hejo, Samteling, Jungshina and Pamtsho.
And the other one is stationed at Chang Rigphel School in Olakha for the Southern part targeting Changjiji, Lungtenphu, Olakha, Changbagdu, Simtokha, Lubding, Babsesa, Debsi and Serbithang.
The existing flu clinic at the RBP ground below the National Referral hospital will cater to the residents of Changzamtog, Chang-gidaphu, Changkhorlo, Norzin lam, Changangkha, Chubachu, vegetable market Motithang, YHSS area and Kawang Jangsa.
The flu clinics will remain open from 9 am till 5 pm.
The Chief Program Officer added, “in order to ensure that people don’t mix from one place to another and also to avoid going from one place to another and for the convenience of the public to visit the flu clinic based on their locations. So we have established two more flu clinics.”
The health ministry through its official Facebook post advised people in the capital not to overwhelm the flu clinics as mass testing is scheduled within a day or two.
Those visiting the flu clinics should strictly adhere to the ministry’s safety protocols of wearing a face mask, washing hands and maintaining a physical distance. Only individuals from the same household can travel in the same car.
As of today, there are 54 flu clinics across the country.
Sonam Pem
