The staff quarters at the Riserboo hospital in Wamrong Dungkhag are in dire need of maintenance. Constructed about six decades ago, the residential units are now falling apart.
The planks are rotten and ceilings are damaged. And the rusted zinc sheet can barely keep the rain water from seeping into the house during the monsoon.
To make matters worse, the electric wires are hanging naked posing threat to the residents.
The last time these units received any renovation was about a decade ago.
“This year, we have kept around two million ngultrum for renovation and maintenance works. We have asked respective supervisors to send a list of the units that need maintenance. As per their requisition, we will carry out renovation works,” said Gang Dorji, the Trashigang District Health Officer.
Recently, the hospital constructed four new units. But that can barely accommodate all the staff currently occupying the old units. There are 57 health staff at the Riserboo hospital. About 44 of them are staying in the staff quarters. And 13 live in rented apartment outside the hospital premise.
“We have an issue with the staff quarters. We have provided quarter as per the criteria. We cannot provide quarter to all the staff. So, some of them have to stay in rented apartment outside the hospital premise. We have provided quarter only to emergency staff like doctors and nurses,” said the District Health Officer.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Phub Gyem