The People’s Democratic Party had pledged to upgrade Nganglam Hospital into a full-fledged facility

Neten Dorji

Nganglam— For over a decade, residents of Nganglam have been holding onto hope for a new hospital, as political candidates have repeatedly pledged to upgrade healthcare facilities. Yet, as election cycles come and go, those promises have yet to materialise, leaving the community frustrated.

A local resident, Tshering Nidup, recalls a groundbreaking ceremony held by the Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) government, which promised a 50-bed hospital. “The party candidate pledged to upgrade it, but nothing happened,” he said.

During the last election, other political parties made similar commitments, and the wait for the new hospital continues.

Dhendup Dema, a mother of three, has relied on the existing 10-bed hospital for more than two decades. “Without a fully-equipped hospital, we either have to go to Mongar or the Gelephu Referral Hospital. It is especially challenging during monsoon season when the Nganglam-Gyelpoizhing highway often gets blocked,” she said.

She said that pregnant mothers need to leave for larger facilities well before their due dates.

Tashi Choki, another mother, echoed her concerns. “With the limited space at the current hospital, patients have to wait in long lines, especially during the summer,” she said.

Nganglam Town representative Tshering Penjor stressed the importance of upgrading healthcare facilities, particularly in the context of Nganglam as the gateway for six eastern dzongkhags.

“Improving healthcare facilities is important because the population in Nganglam is growing every year,” he said. “A new hospital would benefit the people in the three gewogs of Nganglam, as well as parts of Mongar and Zhemgang dzongkhags.”

In the last bye-election, the previous government had highlighted the need for a 50-bed hospital in Nganglam due to its importance as a regional hub. However, that plan was later scaled down to a 20-bed facility.

Just before the end of its term, the DNT government held a groundbreaking ceremony, sparking renewed hope among residents, but the construction of the hospital has yet to begin. The Local residents are now beginning to doubt if the project will ever take shape.

The frequent shifting of political priorities has left locals questioning whether the current government will follow through on the previous government’s commitments.

“Since the groundbreaking ceremony, we have seen no progress. People are asking if the present government has dropped the project,” said a businessman.

However, Sonam Tshering, a local resident, said that the local leaders have informed them that the construction of the new hospital is in the plan. “Whenever we raise the issue, the elected representatives say that the hospital will be constructed. But the is no sign of construction.”

The former Industry, Commerce, and Employment Minister, Karma Dorji, explained that the upgradation of the hospital is included in the 13th Plan. “Whether it will be built or not will depend on the government’s priorities,” he said.

The officials from the National Medical Services under the Ministry of Health clarified that the construction of the 20-bed Nganglam Hospital has been included in the health infrastructure development plan of the Ministry of Health for the 13th Plan (FYP).

“Currently, in light of the upcoming Gelephu Mindfulness City, all health infrastructure developments in the Nganglam Hospital have been temporarily suspended in accordance with government directives,” a health official said. “Moreover, the Ministry must wait for the formal approval of the 13th Plan before proceeding with the construction.”

The approved plans for the hospital aim to accommodate 20 beds, in line with the eligibility criteria for healthcare facilities. Once operational, it will offer comprehensive services that meet community healthcare needs. “The service standards are currently under review, and the Ministry is committed to ensuring that the hospital meets the healthcare needs of the community,” an official added.

The present government has pledged to upgrade Nganglam Hospital into a full-fledged facility, making it one of the 10 specialist centres in the country to ensure universal access to healthcare services.

“These centres will be staffed with six general specialties, covering fields such as medicine, gynaecology, paediatric, orthopaedics, surgery, ophthalmology and anaesthesiology, ensuring comprehensive healthcare access in key regions,” states PDP’s manifesto.

The estimated cost for the hospital’s construction is projected at Nu 418 million.

According to the 2017 Population and Housing Census of Bhutan, Nganglam’s population stands at 5,201. However, projects like the Dungsam Cement Factory, Druk Polymers, and Dragon Cement Factory have contributed to the town’s population growth, along with travellers and truck drivers who frequent the area.