The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Members of Parliament (MPs) raised serious concerns in the Parliament regarding the shortage of health workers and lack of infrastructure in remote gewogs, which is affecting healthcare service delivery in areas such as Laya, Tsirang and Kangpara.
Khatoed-Laya MP, Lhaba Lhaba, highlighted that the Laya’s Basic Health Unit (BHU) currently has only two health assistants and one caretaker, which is insufficient to meet the needs of the local population.
The MP further noted that the Lungo Extended BHU, constructed last year, does not have any health workers deployed.
The MP also expressed concern over the lack of a permanent electricity supply in these facilities, which limits their capacity to provide essential health services.
MP Lhaba requested the Ministry of Health (MoH) to prioritize the deployment of health workers and infrastructure improvements in these remote areas, acknowledging the nationwide shortage but emphasizing the urgency for vulnerable communities.
In response, the Health Minister stated that although a temporary health facility exists in Lungo, it lacks permanent electricity, which is scheduled for installation within the month.
MoH also plans to deploy a health worker to the area within the year, if possible.
Regarding the Laya BHU, Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk said, “Plans are underway to upgrade services by adding one doctor, one general duty medical officer, three nurses, a laboratory technician, an X-ray and ultrasound technician, and a dental hygienist.”
The Health Minister also noted that many residents in Laya and Lungo must walk two to three hours to access healthcare due to the absence of road connectivity, underscoring the challenges faced by these communities.
Sergithang-Tsirang Toed MP, Lhakpa Tshering Tamang, pointed out that high attrition rates, particularly in the health sectors, contribute significantly to the shortage of personnel. He suggested that insufficient incentives, such as Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) may be a factor.
The MP further highlighted a critical issue in Tsirang where caretakers are dispensing medicines, like PCM tablets, raising concerns about the quality of healthcare.
Nganglam MP, Lamdra Wangdi, emphasized that only a limited number of health workers are recruited annually. He recommended increasing recruitment and improving financial benefits, including Travel Daily Allowance (TDA), to address the shortage.
Thrimshing-Kangpara MP, Damche Tenzin, raised gender-related concerns, reporting that female students and patients in Kangpara Gewog are often examined by male health assistants due to the shortage of female nurses, which causes discomfort among patients.
In response, the Health Minister acknowledged the urgency of the situation and said, “If health workers are stationed within a gewog without needing to travel long distances, DSA may not be applicable.” Lyonpo added, and futher added, “The patients requiring urgent care should be transported by ambulance to Dzongkhag hospitals.”
Regarding the shortage of female health assistants, Lyonpo explained that many health posts are located in remote, physically challenging areas. Some female health workers are mothers and face safety and family responsibilities that make it difficult to serve in these locations.
The Health Minister acknowledged the urgency of the issues and plans to improve infrastructure and deploy health workers in remote areas.
