𝐋𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐡𝐚 𝐁𝐇𝐔 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠𝐬

…𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒇𝒇 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒌𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒆𝒍𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒚 𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔

By Leki Chungdon

Samdingkha Basic Health Unit (BHU) in Punakha Dzongkhag provides essential health services to Toedwang and Chhubu Gewogs, as well as one chiwog from Dzomi Gewog, but it operates with only three staff members. Currently, two health assistants and one traditional health assistant are responsible for meeting the healthcare needs of communities spread across these areas.

Many residents walk long distances to reach the BHU, which is often the only healthcare facility accessible to them. Community leaders say the shortage of staff hinders timely care, especially for elderly patients and mothers who require regular check-ups.

Leki Dorji, Mangmi of Toedwang Gewog, explained, “Toedwang Gewog has 259 households and a population of 3,095. Together with the other two gewogs, it is difficult for just two health assistants and one traditional medicine assistant to provide adequate services. The problem grows when health assistants attend workshops outside the station, leaving the BHU unattended during emergencies. Patient numbers rise when people from 20 dzongkhags visit Chhubu Tshachu, and monks from Tsewla Monastery come for services. We submitted proposals for additional staff nearly two years ago but have faced challenges following up.”

Penjor, Tshokpa of Jijukha Etsukha Chiwog in Toedwang Gewog, added that providing health services with only two health staff has become increasingly difficult. “Toedwang Gewog has five chiwogs, Chhubu has three, and Dzomi has one under the Samdingkha BHU. We raised this issue with Namgay Wangchuk, Member of Parliament for Toedwang Gewog,” he said. “When health assistants travel to Wulathang- a location requiring a full day’s walk from Toedwang-there is no one left at the BHU to manage emergencies. Since very few patients seek traditional medicine, the two health assistants bear the burden of serving patients across two gewogs and one chiwog. We need one or two additional health staff to serve the community properly.”

Dorji Khando, Mangmi of Chhubu Gewog, stated that with 275 households and around 2,600 people, providing adequate health services with only two staff is a challenge. “The issue worsens during winter when visitors increase due to Chhubu Tshachu, putting added pressure on the limited staff. We submitted proposals to the Dzongkhag Administration and Ministry of Health last year, but the situation remains difficult, especially during health assistants’ absence and emergencies,” he said. He urged for at least one doctor or an additional health assistant and an ambulance or small van to enhance healthcare delivery across the three gewogs. “Leaving this unaddressed is a major concern for local communities,” he added.

Namgay Wangchuk, Tshokpa of Jawakha, also pointed out the financial and logistical difficulties faced by residents. “People must travel 12 kilometers from Chanshina to reach Samdingkha BHU, spending around Nu. 400 on taxi fare each time. When one health assistant is sent to Nerichu and another to Chanshina, the BHU is left without staff to handle emergencies such as childbirth or other urgent cases. Although health staff strive to deliver services, managing under these conditions is challenging. We urgently need one or two additional staff,” he said.

According to the National Medical Services, staff shortages are an issue nationwide, particularly in the eastern regions. Even when 350 vacancies are announced, only 150 people apply, making timely deployment difficult.
Attempts to obtain information from Samdingkha BHU’s health assistants were unsuccessful. Sonam Dorji Doya, Health Assistant at the BHU, declined to comment, saying he was not permitted to provide information without authorization. Officials directed inquiries between departments but did not share any details.