Staff Reporter 

His Royal Highness Gyaltshab Jigme Dorji Wangchuck graced the opening of the accelerated DeSuung training programme in Dewathang yesterday.

The three-week programme has taken in  2,500 volunteers in seven different locations across the country.

The training focuses on health and security to enable volunteers to support health workers in the wake of  Covid-19 pandemic.

According to a press release, all volunteers and trainers were tested for Covid-19 before commencing the training to prevent the possibility of community transmission.

During the opening, His Royal Highness said that DeSuups rendered great assistance during times of need and must continue to serve with the same dedication and loyalty to the Tsawa-Sum.

His Royal Highness is His Majesty’s representative in the east.

Meanwhile, on the Command of His Majesty The King, Health Minister Dechen Wangmo attended the opening ceremony of the 38th batch of DeSuung integrated training programme in Wangdue yesterday.

Lyonpo shared the critical role DeSuups could play in the wake of Covid-19. According to the health ministry, in a worst-case scenario, DeSuups would have to share responsibilities and activities with the health workers.

Following the event, Lyonpo visited the isolation wards at Wangdue and Punakha hospitals. Officials in the districts were advised to emphasise more on  districts’ plans for worst-case scenario.