Jigmi Wangdi

Dental patients will no longer have to commute to Taba, Thimphu to receive treatments or checkups as the Department of Dentistry will be fully functional by the end of October, 2024 and resume services at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH).

The decision to move the dental department back to JDWNRH comes after patients and the public complained about the inconveniences caused by the relocation of the dental hospital to Taba.

Health Secretary Pemba Wangchuk said that the reason behind moving the dental hospital to Taba was to improve the services and address decongestion and overcrowding. However, many patients expressed frustration over transportation challenges and lengthy wait times for appointments, particularly those traveling from outside Thimphu.

The decision to move the dental department back to JDWNRH is also because the gynaecology and paediatric wards, along with the National Medical Service (NMS), was moved to the newly completed mother and child hospital.

Health Secretary Pemba Wangchuk said that relocation of the dental department at JDWNRH will address  patient needs.

In May 2024, the secretary had projected a six-month timeline for the relocation to JDWNRH. The facility in Taba will be repurposed for other government uses in the future.

An NMS official said that logistical challenges, including the movement of dental equipment and staff shortages, initially delayed the relocation. However, preparations began in early September, starting with paediatric dental services.

“We are hoping that the department will be moved back at the end of next week and that services will begin effectively by the end of this month,” the official said.

Dental services will be provided in both the old and new block. Currently, the paediatric dental services are being provided at the old block of JDWNRH. “The old block is also undergoing an extension so that the services can be provided effectively,” the official said.