Jigmi Wangdi

The recently inaugurated Thromde Health Centre (THC) at Motithang in Thimphu, along with three already existing THCs, is expected to improve access to healthcare services in the capital.

Three THCs were set up in Bebena, Semtokha, and Debsi in April 2023 to decongest the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH).

These health centres are equipped with a general duty medical officer, two health assistants, and relevant technicians. They offer a range of basic services similar to those provided by a BHU Grade One, including laboratory tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, oral and eye health services, minor surgeries, basic trauma care, maternal and child health services, and general consultations.

Despite these facilities at the health centres, patients still flock at JDWNRH, defeating its primary purpose to reduce overcrowding at the national referral hospital.  This is mainly triggered by lack of doctors or specialists and trained technicians to operate the equipment at THCs.

Addressing these concerns during the sixth Meet-the-Press (MTP) yesterday, Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk outlined the ministry’s plans to enhance services at the THCs in Thimphu and Phuentsholing.

A THC was also opened in Phuentsholing in June this year.

Lyonpo said that medical equipment has been installed in the THCs and medical staff and technicians will be deployed from September this year.

The THCs in the capital will function under the administrative umbrella of JDWNRH and the Phuentsholing THC under the Phuentsholing hospital.

Each THC will have one doctor, except for the centre in Debsi, which has lower patient demand. Further, specialists will visit the THCs on a rotational basis once a week. Dental services will also be soon introduced.

Lyonpo said that the services provided at the THCs will ensure that patients do not have to go to the JDWNRH.

Thimphu has a population of 166,000, according to the National Statistics Bureau. And the capital continues to face challenges due to patients from different dzongkhags seeking care independently rather than through the required referral services. “This causes inconveniences to the people and hampers the quality of services,” Lyonpo said.

The health minister acknowledged the initial shortcomings since the government took over the THCs only five months ago. “It is because of this that we have not been able to serve the needs of the people effectively so far,” Lyonpo said.

The initial plan to establish the THCs began in 2017, which was partly funded by a USD 20 million grant from the Asian Development Bank to the Bhutan Health Trust Fund (BHTF).

Half of this amount was allocated to the BHTF while the remaining USD 10 million was used for the electronic patient information system (ePIS). The leftover funds were allocated for the construction of the THCs in Thimphu.  The centres cost Nu 108 million to construct.