โฆ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐๐ช๐ฏ๐ช๐ด๐ต๐ณ๐บ ๐ฐ๐ง ๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐ต๐ฉ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฏ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฏ๐ค๐ฆ๐ฅ ๐ฅ๐ถ๐ณ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ 4๐ต๐ฉ ๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ต ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐๐ณ๐ฆ๐ด๐ด ๐ต๐ฉ๐ข๐ต ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ต๐ข๐ญ ๐ถ๐ฏ๐ช๐ต ๐ธ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ญ๐ฅ ๐ฃ๐ฆ ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ท๐ฆ๐ฅ ๐ฃ๐ข๐ค๐ฌ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ค๐ข๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ด.
NGAWANG JAMPHEL
Thimphu
Residents from various dzongkhags have faced significant challenges accessing dental services since the relocation of the dental unit to Taba by the former government.
The 3rd governmentโs decision to shift the unit aimed to decentralize services but has inadvertently caused difficulties for many, especially those from distant regions.
The relocation has created a host of problems. Many people struggle to find the new location in Taba, which is less familiar and harder to reach compared to the previous central location at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) campus. This geographical inconvenience has been particularly taxing for patients from remote dzongkhags, who already travel long distances to access dental care.
Additionally, patients report that waiting times for appointments have significantly increased since the move. Some have had to wait weeks for a consultation or treatment, exacerbating dental health issues that could otherwise be addressed more promptly. The increased waiting time and accessibility issues have raised concerns about the equity and efficiency of healthcare delivery.
In response to these challenges, the Ministry of Health (MoH) announced during the 4th Meet the Press that the dental unit would be moved back to the JDWNRH campus. Health Secretary Pemba Wangchuk acknowledged the difficulties faced by the public and assured that steps are being taken to rectify the situation.
“The Ministry is aware of the hardships people are facing due to the relocation of the dental unit to Taba. We are committed to improving accessibility and reducing waiting times. Therefore, we have decided to shift the dental unit back to the JDWNRH Campus. However, this process will take some time as we need to ensure a smooth transition,” the Secretary stated.
The transition back to JDWNRH will involve logistical and infrastructural adjustments. The MoH plans to hand over the current dental unit structure in Taba to the government, which will explore alternative uses for the facility. This move aims to maximize the utility of existing infrastructure while addressing the immediate needs of the public.
The MoH is also looking into measures to improve service delivery and reduce appointment waiting times. Enhancements in staffing, appointment scheduling, and patient management systems are being considered to ensure that the dental unit can handle the patient load efficiently once it returns to JDWNRH.
The announcement has been met with relief by many residents who have struggled with the new location. Tshering Dorji, a resident from a remote dzongkhag, shared his thoughts: “It has been very difficult to come to Taba. Finding the location is one challenge, but waiting for weeks to get an appointment is another. The decision to move the dental unit back to the JDWNRH campus is a welcome change. It will be much more convenient for many of us.”
The decision to shift the dental unit back to the JDWNRH campus reflects the governmentโs responsiveness to public concerns and its commitment to ensuring equitable healthcare access. While the transition may take some time, the anticipated improvements in service delivery and accessibility are expected to benefit many residents, particularly those from remote dzongkhags who have faced significant hurdles in accessing dental care.
As the MoH works on the logistics of this move, the public remains hopeful that the changes will lead to better, more timely dental services. The government’s adaptive approach to addressing healthcare challenges demonstrates a commitment to meeting the needs of its citizens and ensuring that essential services are within reach for all.
