Residents of Nganglam in Pema Gatshel are still awaiting the 50-bed hospital promised during the previous government’s tenure. Despite a groundbreaking ceremony in 2023, there is still no sight of construction. During the National Assembly’s Question and Answer session today, Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk said the construction has been postponed following a study.
At the National Assembly, the Nganglam MP raised concerns, stating that the hospital would not only benefit the people of Nganglam constituency but also residents of Monngar, Zhemgang and other parts of Pema Gatshel.
The government carried out the groundbreaking ceremony in October 2023. However, there have been no concrete updates despite the issue being raised in the last parliamentary session. During my recent consultation meeting in the constituency, people repeatedly asked for progress on the project,” said Lamdra Wangdi, Nganglam MP, Pema Gatshel.
Some local leaders in Nganglam Dungkhag said people remain concerned about the shortage of facilities at the current hospital.
Norbgang Gup Kinley Dorji said, “It is high time to have a 50-bed hospital in Nganglam. The population has now reached around 15,000, and the current hospital receives about 300 to 400 patients daily. Therefore, it is necessary to upgrade from a 10-bed to a 50-bed facility.”
In response, the Health Minister said the ministry conducted a study assessing indicators such as population size, patient workload, and local development dynamics for the hospital.
He explained that due to a limited budget, funds had to be allocated to other hospitals that were deemed higher priority.
Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk said, “In the southern region, from west Samtse to Samdrup Jongkhar, there are five 10-bed hospitals. Based on patient load, Nganglam Hospital ranked third. We are also exploring the possibility of establishing a cluster hospital—either in Nganglam or Pema Gatshel.”
He added that to ensure a smooth health service, the ministry has also deployed additional doctors and health officials for Nganglam.
The minister added that the ministry will proceed based on priority, and the plans to upgrade or make Nganglam hospital into a cluster hospital will be included in the government’s priority list.