Nim Dorji | Bumthang

The people of Bumthang will no longer have to go to Thimphu and Mongar to avail of endoscopy services.

The hospital got an endoscopy machine and a surgeon. The machine was inaugurated yesterday.

Last year, during the National Assembly bye-election for Chhoekhor-Tang constituency, Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa pledged to post a medical specialist, surgeon, gynaecologist, and paediatrician.

Member of Parliament, Dawa said that the endoscopy machine will benefit the people of Bumthang and nearby dzongkhags. “With a surgeon and the machine, it will help to detect the disease and provide treatment early,” he said.

Dawa said that once the surgeon completes the set up of the operation theatre, the other three specialists are expected to be deployed.

Surgeon Dr Sonam Jamtsho said, “To make the service convenient for office goers, endoscopy service will be provided from 6am to noon.”

The people in the gewogs can make the appointment for an endoscopy at the respective primary health centres.

Dr Sonam Jamtsho said that in the next three to four months after the OT is set up the other nurses and Anaesthesia will come and the major operation services would begin.

A resident in Dekiling, Sonam Dema said that she was happy to get the endoscopy service within her dzongkhag.

“For people like us who have to travel by bus to Thimphu to avail the medical services, these services mean a lot,” she said.