Jigmi Wangdi

More machines, manpower, and a better canteen, are among the incentives planned to improve the services delivery for the patients, as well as uplift the morale of the staff of the JDWNRH in Thimphu.

In addition, the four recommendation the national Medical Services submitted to the government, sought to decongest JDWNRH by diverting patients to the four Thromde Health Centres, on privatising medical, dental, and diagnostic services, and even provide allowance to trainee nurses.  

The on-going attrition of health workers had come close to crippling the services at health centres, owing to which the government had coordinated with the Ministry of Health and National Medical Services to address it.

Speaking to the media at the first Meet the Press with the government, on February 29, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay introduced the four recommendations he received from the National Medical Services, and other plans. 

Lyonchen shared that to reduce overcrowding at the JDWNRH, patients could visit the four Thromde Health Centres in Thimphu for consultations, diagnostic and laboratory services.

Lyonchen also said that there was a need to extend medical and surgical wards but beds were insufficient. 

“Most of the patients are kept in the emergency ward. Once the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital is ready, mothers and children will be shifted to that hospital. It will create space at the wards at the JDWNRH,” the Prime Minister said. 

The Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital, a 150-bed hospital, was almost ready for operation.

Besides, the Prime Minister informed that the government was looking for budgetary support to acquire additional CT and MRI machines, and recruit health workers, including those who had retired, along with new health workers and foreign health workers.

There was also an indication to allow private dental and medical services in addition to the existing diagnostics services alone. 

The RCSC had approved providing a one-year meritorious promotion to nurses attending special training.

“This is to encourage nurses to take up special training as our hospital needs them. Moreover, we have also agreed to look into possibilities to provide allowances to nurses during their training, which are currently not available,” Lyonchen said.

Based on a request from the hospital staff for a canteen, the Prime Minister said that a DSP canteen similar to the ones at Chubachu, Kaja Throm and Royal Takin Preserve, would be set up at the hospital to offer food at a cheaper rate to the staff, but on market rates for the public.

A crèche for the children of the staff, and a gym for the staff – of the hospital was also being planned.