November 22: The people of Dagana no longer have to travel to hospitals in neighbouring Dzongkhags to get medical treatment. They now have a hospital in the Dzongkhag. The new district hospital in Dagapela was opened on Wednesday, November 19.

The new district hospital in Dagapela was constructed at a cost of about Nu. 55 million from the royal government.

At the inauguration, the Minister of Labour and Human Resources Lyonpo Dorji Wangdi said the hospital is a step towards fulfilling the 4th Druk Gyalpo’s dream of achieving Gross National Happiness in the country.

The new 20-bed hospital is equipped with operation theaters, laboratories, consultation and labor rooms, baby room, laundry, mortuary and even kitchen for people accompanying the sick. It also has a diesel generator as a backup when lights go off. It has some ten professional staff including a doctor, an Assistant Clinic Officer and over ten non-professional staff.

The first doctor to be assigned, Dr Kipchu Tshering said although major illnesses and accidents still need to be referred to the National Referral Hospital in Thimphu, they will be able to conduct minor surgeries and provide treatment for almost all minor ailments.

He said one more doctor and a gynecologist will be required to meet the demand of over 21,000 people in 14 geogs. People of Dagana said the new hospital came for them like a light in the darkness. Gup Tenzin Dorji of Tsendaygang Gewog said it will benefit the people immensely.

People said the hospital now needs at least two ambulances. One pressing problem faced by the hospital at the moment is shortage of staff quarters. Many staff are residing outside the hospital campus because additional staff quarters are still under construction.