The recent suspension of two private diagnostic centres in Thimphu—Menjong Diagnostic Centre and Padkar Diagnostic Centre—by the Department of Trade is a clear signal that Bhutan is serious about ensuring adherence to medical standards. These centres were found guilty of regulatory violations, including operating beyond their authorised scope and failing to uphold the necessary medical standards. While these suspensions are justified, they also bring to light the urgent need for a larger conversation: the growing strain on our health system.

Our few major hospitals are struggling under the weight of an increasing number of patients. As the population grows and healthcare needs evolve, it is becoming evident that our health system is slowly being overwhelmed. Long wait times for essential services are becoming more common, and families bear the brunt of these delays. For many, the emotional and financial costs are severe.

Time-sensitive illnesses that require prompt diagnosis or treatment are often delayed, which can worsen outcomes. The effects are far-reaching, not only for the families waiting for care but also for the economy as a whole.

When citizens are left waiting for medical attention, it affects their productivity. The longer individuals are out of work due to health complications, the more it impacts their livelihoods. A healthy workforce is essential for a strong economy, and any delays in medical treatment could lead to losses that ripple across various sectors. For families who rely on daily wages, extended hospital visits can be financially crippling. We cannot afford to let our people languish in waiting rooms when a robust health system could help mitigate these impacts.

In this context, the role of regulation becomes more pronounced. Regulatory frameworks are necessary to maintain high standards in healthcare and prevent substandard or dangerous practices.

The suspension of these diagnostic centres highlights the importance of keeping a strict watch over the quality of services provided to the public. Diagnostic centres play a critical role in the healthcare chain, offering services that are often the first step toward identifying and treating health conditions. It is imperative that they adhere to stringent standards.

However, regulation alone is not the solution. While tighter regulations help ensure quality and safety, they do not address the underlying issue of healthcare capacity. We must strike a balance between regulation and expansion—we need more hospitals, more diagnostic centres, and more healthcare professionals who can meet the growing demand for services.

Without expanding the capacity of our health system, even the strictest regulations will be ineffective in addressing the core issue: access to timely and quality healthcare.

Investment in healthcare infrastructure and training more healthcare professionals should be our national priority. Expanding our healthcare system would alleviate the pressure on existing facilities and reduce wait times. Private diagnostic centres, when functioning within proper regulatory boundaries, could play a key role in reducing the burden on major hospitals.

But to achieve this, the government must support both public and private healthcare providers, ensuring that they have the resources to meet the needs of the population without compromising on quality.

The suspensions of Menjong and Padkar Diagnostic Centres serve as a reminder that regulations in healthcare must be upheld for the safety of the public. Yet, regulation alone will not solve the broader problem. Our health system must expand to meet the growing demands of our people. The economic and social costs of long wait times are too high to ignore.

If we are to safeguard the health of our people and the stability of our economy, investment in healthcare infrastructure is not just an option—it is a necessity.

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