More hospitals will offer after-hours consultations

After the success of off-hour consultations at Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital, the programme will be adopted by regional and dzongkhag hospitals (JDWNRH).

This was decided on May 12 during the 109th session of the Lhengye Zhungtshog.

According to the Cabinet, the off-hour consultation service provided by the JDWNRH has been receiving excellent comments from members of the public for more than a decade.

It is suggested by Lyhengye Zhungtshog that the consultation schedule be left open-ended so that services can be delivered even during times when the office is closed for vacation.

Sowa Lyonpo Dechen Wangmo asserts that the Health Ministry conducted an investigation into the service and found that there is significant demand for it.

According to Lyonpo, "We are unable to announce at this time which hospitals we will service." According to Lyonpo, the launch of the service will be contingent on factors including patient demand, demographics, and public affordability.

Lyonpo reports that the administration is reportedly working on solutions for increased efficiency. The guideline is almost finished being written.

Currently, only a select few departments at JDWNRH offer services outside of normal business hours; however, once formalisation is complete, all departments will.

In Thimphu, a medical certificate is not required under any circumstances.

According to Lyonpo, medical practitioners ought to be offering travel and visa medical certificates. "In order to decentralise the process of giving medical certificates, we will be forming a board of doctors in the hospitals that have been chosen,"

She went on to explain that for the time being, the team will be concentrating their efforts on local hospitals such as Gelephu, Mongar, and a few others.

During this time in which other service charges are being evaluated, there will be no adjustment to the fee for medical certificates. "Everything is much clearer now that the new criteria have been implemented."

After 5 o'clock in the evening, medical professionals will be available to visit patients who are unable to get to the hospital during regular business hours.

According to Lyonpo, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport has improved its services in Phuentsholing, Samtse, Trashigang, and Bumthang.