With the opening of the rheumatology clinic at the national referral hospital on all weekdays, patients are experiencing shorter waiting times and longer consultations with healthcare providers. The country’s only rheumatology clinic treats patients suffering from autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, lupus, and gout.
25-year-old Kezang Choden was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus last year.
This condition caused her significant pain in her limbs and joints, making it difficult for her to walk.
Now, after her treatment, she can walk properly with no such pain. However, to manage her health, she needs to undergo check-up every three months, which require her to travel from Khasadrapchu to Thimphu.
She said earlier, when the clinic was open only once a week, she had to wait for weeks for her turn.
“At 5 in the morning, I get the token, and I wait. Even then, there are always lots of people. Some people don’t even get a token and have to return. Now, because it’s from Monday to Saturday, everybody can get the token. And even when we have other ailments, we get more time consult with the doctor. ”
Besides Kezang, other patients such as 52-year-old Leki Zangmo is benefitting from the clinic. Leki has come all the way from Bumthang for the service.
“When I first became ill, I used to be always in bed. I was unable to walk or stand up. I was left unable even cook at home. After being treated at the hospital, I have reached this condition. Now, I can walk, but walking up hill is still tough.”
These types of diseases occur when the immune system attacks healthy cells, causing inflammation and damage to joints, skin, and organs.
The clinic receives 30 patients daily, who are mostly referred cases so far. The clinic operates during evening hours.
Dr Sonam Yangchen, Rheumatologist of Kidu Medical Service Centre, JDWNRH said, “So, the patients can walk in, get a token, or they can call a number. We do have a number which is operates from 3:30 PM. I get a lot of time to talk to my patients. And that is something I really like because educating the patient on the disease is the most important when it comes to management.”
She said contrary to the belief that old people are diagnosed with autoimmune disease, most of the patients are young.
This, she said, can affect the working force of the nation as well pas the economy.
“We see very young, productive age group diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, MCTD (Mixed Connective Tissue Disease), and Sjögren. These are all autoimmune diseases, and it affects very young, especially females, we females. So, it affects all this. So, we cater to that cohort of patients.”
Autoimmune diseases are caused by genetic factors, with common risk factors such as infection, smoking, and stress among others.
As the national referral hospital continues to expand its services, it not only improves the service of the hospital but also the nationwide healthcare service.