NPPF Delivers Affordable Accommodation for Gelephu’s Health Workers

In a significant development for healthcare workers in Gelephu, the long-awaited National Pension and Provident Fund (NPPF) housing complex has been inaugurated, providing a solution to the housing challenges faced by health staff at the Gelephu Central Regional Referral Hospital.

The newly constructed housing complex, located in close proximity to the hospital, boasts 120 residential units designed to accommodate medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, technicians, and supporting staff. The completion of these units marks a turning point for the approximately 500-strong workforce of the Gelephu Hospital, many of whom have grappled with high rental costs and long commutes due to the lack of suitable housing options near their workplace.

“For years, health workers at the Gelephu Central Regional Referral Hospital have been eagerly awaiting the completion of the NPPF residential building,” remarked Dr. Kuenzang Choephyel, a key figure at the hospital. “The shortage of affordable accommodation has forced many to endure lengthy commutes or settle for expensive rental apartments. This new housing complex will not only alleviate these challenges but also enhance our ability to respond promptly to emergency cases.”

The initiative to construct the housing complex took shape following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the health ministry and the former management of NPPF in 2018. Recognizing the pressing need for quality housing in close proximity to the hospital, both parties committed to addressing the accommodation concerns of healthcare workers.

“The signing of the MoU in 2018 signaled a collaborative effort to address the accommodation needs of healthcare workers in Gelephu,” stated Dorji Penjor, CEO of NPPF. “With the completion of these residential buildings, we aim to provide a conducive living environment for medical professionals, enabling them to focus on delivering quality healthcare services to the community.”

Although the construction of the housing complex faced delays attributed to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the perseverance of all stakeholders involved has finally borne fruit. The project, which incurred an investment of Nu 254 million, was executed in two phases, with construction contracts awarded to two contractors in 2020.

While the exact timeline for occupancy remains uncertain, hospital authorities have assured that priority will be given to medical doctors and nurses tasked with attending to emergency cases in the hospital wards. This strategic allocation aims to optimize the utilization of the new housing units and streamline emergency response mechanisms within the healthcare facility.

As the Gelephu Central Regional Referral Hospital prepares to welcome its dedicated healthcare workforce into their new residential abodes, the completion of the NPPF housing complex stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing the welfare of frontline workers and fortifying healthcare infrastructure in the region.

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