October 23: Traditional medicine service is popular in rural areas but for many people, especially those living in remote villages, availing the service is not easy. Not any more. As decided in their annual meeting, Drungtshos now visit remote villages taking traditional medicine service right to the people.

Kenkhar and Jurme gewogs in Monggar are two of the remotest areas in the kingdom.

Jurme gewog for instance is connected only by a mule track. The gewog has many people who avail traditional medicine service but to do so they have to walk all the way to Monggar proper, a three days walking distance.

Dungtshos from the traditional medicine service in Monggar are now taking the services to the people. Recently Drungtsho Tandin Phub visited Kengkhar and Jurmey gewogs.

Speaking to BBS from Jurmey Gewog, Drungtsho Tandin Phub said to help people in remote villages the annual meeting decided that Drungtshos should visit remote villages. He said the response from Kengkhar and Jurme gewogs have been overwhelming.

During the visit, about 500 people came to avail traditional medicine service with many receiving acupuncture. He said the establishment of Basic Health Units in the gewogs has helped the people immensely.

However he said health workers from the indigenous hospital could not be sent to the basic health units because of manpower shortage.