Jigmi Wangdi

Addressing growing concerns over the departure of experienced medical professionals and the increasing reliance on younger, less experienced staff, Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk assured that the ministry has implemented robust measures to maintain high standards of patient care while supporting the professional growth of young medical workers.

Lyonpo was responding to a question on how the ministry was ensuring that these newer professionals avoided major medical errors during the 11th meet-the-press session on December 27.

“While it is true that many experienced medical professionals have retired or left the country in recent years, we are fortunate to have systems in place to support the young and enthusiastic medical professionals and technicians who are now staffing our hospitals,” Lyonpo said.

He said that senior medical professionals play an active role in mentoring and supervising their younger colleagues. This mentorship is intended to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and hands-on clinical practice, ensuring that patients continue to receive the best possible care.

To bolster oversight and accountability, Lyonpo said that the ministry has established systems to monitor the performance of healthcare workers. “These include regular audits, case reviews, and adherence to established clinical protocols to reduce the occurrence of errors,” he said.

In cases where mistakes do occur, Lyonpo assured that these are thoroughly investigated according to established standards, with accountability measures and corrective actions implemented to prevent recurrence.

“Our focus remains on fostering a culture of continuous learning, teamwork, and accountability to provide the highest quality of care,” Lyonpo added. “Patient safety is the ministry’s foremost priority, and any deviations from professional standards are swiftly addressed.”

The health minister said that the ministry is committed to improving the wellbeing and condition of patients by nurturing a healthcare environment that supports both professional development and excellence in service delivery.

Despite the departure of seasoned staff, Lyonpo expressed confidence in the systems and practices in place to guide the next generation of medical professionals to become capable and skilled professionals.