With more than 100,000 people expected to gather in Gelephu Mindfulness City for the raising of the 108 Jangchub Chorten, health authorities are preparing medical teams, ambulances and emergency facilities across key locations. The preparations aim to ensure that visitors can get medical care quickly if they fall sick or need emergency treatment during the four-day spiritual gathering.
The Central Regional Referral Hospital (CRRH) in Gelephu has been coordinating healthcare plans for about a month.
Around 1,000 international guests and another 1,000 Bhutanese support personnel are expected to stay at the Gyalsung Centre in Tareythang. A temporary 10-bed hospital is being prepared there, with medical staff and diagnostic services, including ultrasound, X-ray and laboratory facilities.
“To cater to their medical needs, we are preparing a 10-bed hospital, which will be staffed by a medical specialist, an emergency physician, and three medical officers, along with nurses and technicians to provide ultrasound, X-ray and laboratory services,” said Choeda Gyaltshen, Medical Superintendent of CRRH.
Health services will also be upgraded at Chuzaggang. Eight ambulances, each staffed by a doctor, an emergency medical responder and a nurse, will cover the stupa site. Two medical tents and two advanced cardiac life support ambulances will be stationed at Zeeray.
“We are bringing in about 200 health service providers from across the various districts. All of them are expected to be here by the 27th of this month. Throughout the 108 stupa site, we will be deploying about eight ambulances, which will have a doctor each, an emergency medical responder and a nurse for any emergency situations,” the Medical Superintendent said.
Authorities are also stocking essential medicines and preparing around 20 walkie-talkies provided by the World Health Organization, in case mobile networks become congested.
Health officials say visitors also have a role to play. Those with existing medical conditions are advised to complete routine check-ups before travelling and carry enough of their prescribed medicines. Visitors are also encouraged to bring mosquito repellent as a precaution.
Passang Dorji and Karma Wangdi, Gelephu
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