Imagine travelling more than 100 kilometres and spending over Nu 8,000 to have your eyes and teeth checked. Well, that’s what the people of Silambi and Gongdue Gewogs in Monggar do—they travel to the Monggar Regional Referral Hospital, sometimes needing to stay overnight in Monggar town hotels. Fortunately, for the residents of Silambi and Gongdue, construction on the 10-bed Nagor Primary Health Centre (PHC) is going well. Health services from the Nagor PHC are expected to start next year.
The Nagor PHC in Silambi Gewog serves the people of Gongdue and Saling Gewog in Monggar, as well as Bjoka Gewog in Zhemgang.
Ninety per cent of the upgrades to transform the Nagor PHC into a 10-bed hospital have been completed.
The Nu 34 M project, initiated in July last year, is expected to finish before the planned deadline.
Ongoing minor works include the construction of footpaths, drainage systems, electrification, and carpentry.
“Our deadline is set for the end of February next year. However, our goal is to complete the construction by the end of December or, at the latest, by mid-January,” said Sonam Choden, the site engineer of Sonam Jamtsho and Bros Construction Pvt. Ltd.
Residents of the gewogs, who will benefit from the hospital, are pleased that its completion will reduce risks to patients and lower expenses.
“As we lack sources of income, the cost of transportation is high for us. If we could access doctors, X-ray machines, and dental services here, we would be grateful,” said Rinchen Chogyel, a resident of Silambi Gewog.
“Pregnant mothers find it very challenging to travel long distances, and there’s a risk of complications on the way to Monggar. If we head down south, we must travel to Nganglam. Now, with ultrasound and dental services coming here, we are grateful for that,” said Pema Choki, a resident of Silambi Gewog.
Silambi Gup Dorji Wangchuk said, “currently, Silambi and Gongdue only have a primary health centre. When the centre lacks necessary services and doctors, we must travel long distances, such as Gyalpozhing and Monggar.”
“At present, we refer patients to Monggar Hospital, which is about 120 kilometres away. The journey takes approximately three to four hours. With the upgraded hospital expected next year, both travel distance and health expenses will be reduced,” said Ratan Limbu, a Health Assistant at Nagor Primary Health Centre.
Once completed, the hospital will have a doctor and 20 additional staff members to provide dental, X-ray, and ultrasound services.
Currently, the centre only has two health assistants, a driver, and a caretaker.
Karma Wangdi, Monggar
Edited by Sherub Dorji
