The Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital, a cutting-edge healthcare facility situated in Nadangzor, Mongar, is poised to open its doors on July 27, 2025. With construction reaching 80 percent completion, the 65-bed hospital is set to deliver specialized medical services to mothers and children across six eastern dzongkhags, addressing a significant gap in the region’s healthcare infrastructure.
Initiated on December 20, 2021, the hospital’s development has progressed steadily despite facing numerous obstacles. Challenges such as disrupted cement supplies from Nganglam, persistent water shortages, and multiple collapses of the Kuri-Gongri bridge have impeded the transportation of essential raw materials. Nonetheless, the project remains on track, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the construction team.
“We are on schedule to complete the hospital,” stated Dorji Rabten, the project manager. “This facility will not only enhance the healthcare services available to mothers and children in Mongar but also serve as a referral centre for the entire eastern region.”
Upon completion, the hospital will feature a comprehensive array of departments, including a community health block, paediatric and obstetrics/gynaecology outpatient departments (OPD), diagnostic and emergency services, maternity and delivery units, an operation theatre, as well as neonatal and paediatric intensive care units. Designed to accommodate 65 beds, the hospital boasts modern amenities that ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients and their families. Advanced medical equipment and a team of specialized healthcare professionals will underpin the facility’s commitment to maternal and child health.
In response to the evolving needs of the community, additional units and developments are being integrated into the hospital’s design. “Consulting with the head of the department in Mongar hospital, we have incorporated what is required by the end users,” Rabten explained. “There will be no problem for end-users since everything has been incorporated.”
Nikesh Kumar, the site engineer from T-Kunzom Private Limited, acknowledged the initial hurdles faced during construction. “To complete the project on time, we are hiring 40 to 50 more labourers in addition to the 105 already working on-site,” he revealed. “It is likely to be delayed by a few months, but we are doing our utmost to meet the deadline.”
To date, approximately Nu 323.77 million has been invested in the project, accounting for about 39 percent of the total budget of Nu 822.26 million. The Government of India is funding the initiative with a total investment of Nu 935.24 million. Current construction activities include water supply installations, flooring, and side developments, among other tasks. Following the completion of the physical structures, the Japan International Cooperation Agency will oversee the installation of medical equipment.
Community members are optimistic about the hospital’s impact on local healthcare. Sonam Choden, a local mother, expressed her enthusiasm: “This hospital will be a game-changer for our community. We will no longer have to travel long distances to access quality maternal and child healthcare.” She highlighted the current challenges faced when specialists are unavailable, leading to referrals to Trashigang hospital where delays can worsen patient conditions.
Tashi Wangmo, a 40-year-old resident of Kurtoe, shared her gratitude: “After the hospital starts its operations, we won’t need to go to Thimphu. It will prioritize mothers’ needs and bring much-needed relief to families.”
The hospital’s infrastructure includes a two-storey existing guesthouse repurposed as the community health department block, three-storey blocks designated for paediatric, obstetrics, gynaecology, emergency, and diagnostic services, and a four-storey inpatient department housing the operation theatre complex and related services. While major construction is nearing completion, final touches such as signage, furniture, and kitchen equipment are pending tendering by the Ministry of Health.
Expected to be fully operational by September, the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital promises to be a cornerstone of Bhutan’s healthcare system, significantly improving maternal and child health outcomes across the eastern regions.
“This facility will be a cornerstone of our healthcare system,” reiterated project manager Dorji Rabten, underscoring the hospital’s vital role in the community’s future well-being.
