𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐬𝐡𝐨 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠, 𝐋𝐡𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬𝐞

By Kezang Choden

A new Homeopathy Healing Center was inaugurated in Metsho Gewog, Lhuentse Dzongkhag, much to the delight of the local community. The centre was established in response to the growing demand for alternative health services in the area, bringing renewed hope for improved healthcare options among residents.

The facility will offer a variety of therapeutic services, including herbal steaming, hot compression, massage therapy, and both dry and wet cupping. These treatments, rooted in traditional and alternative medicine, are expected to complement the services currently provided by the Basic Health Unit (BHU), offering residents a wider range of health and wellness solutions.

The inauguration event drew enthusiastic support from the community. Residents expressed excitement and optimism about the centre’s potential to enhance their well-being. Many noted that having access to such services in their own gewog would reduce the need to travel long distances for treatment. The centre aims to provide affordable and accessible healthcare, focusing on holistic healing and wellness. The introduction of these services aligns with the government’s broader efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure in rural areas, ensuring that residents receive timely and effective treatments closer to home.

Chedrup Sonam Lhendup, the Gup of Metsho Gewog, expressed optimism over the new development, highlighting that it will provide residents, particularly the elderly, with more treatment options. He acknowledged that the gewog has long benefitted from high-quality allopathic healthcare services that have met the population’s needs. However, the introduction of homeopathy will offer an alternative approach to healthcare, particularly for those seeking non-invasive and holistic treatment methods. “This is a significant development for our community, especially for our elderly population, who often require varied forms of medical care,” said the Gup.

With a growing population in Metsho Gewog, the demand for comprehensive healthcare services has been increasing. The Gup stressed the importance of having access to diverse treatment methods, explaining that the additional homeopathic services would alleviate some of the pressure on current health facilities and provide residents with choices based on their medical needs and preferences. The combination of allopathic and homeopathic healthcare services is expected to enhance overall health outcomes in the gewog, offering more holistic and patient-centred care.

The Gup further emphasized the broader vision for improving healthcare infrastructure in the region, stating that this initiative aligns with efforts to ensure better access to medical services for all, particularly in rural and remote areas like Metsho. “By offering both allopathic and homeopathic treatments, we are ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing quality healthcare,” he added. This initiative is seen as a step forward in promoting a more integrated healthcare system in Bhutan, where modern and traditional forms of medicine can coexist to cater to the diverse health needs of the population.

Kuenzang Dema, a homeopath at the new centre, highlighted that the facility is the first of its kind in Metsho Gewog. She noted that the local residents have shown immense enthusiasm and gratitude for the centre, with some patients registering for treatment as early as the opening day. “In addition to homeopathic treatments, we provide herbal medicines for certain conditions, catering to the diverse needs of the community,” Dema explained.

The centre has quickly become a regular destination for elderly residents, many of whom visit frequently to seek relief from various ailments. She expressed optimism about the positive impact of the centre on the community’s health, particularly for addressing common concerns such as joint pain, muscle soreness, and other chronic conditions affecting older adults.

The establishment of the Homeopathy Healing Centre is expected to bring significant health benefits to the people of Metsho Gewog, offering alternative and complementary therapies in a setting where access to specialized medical care is often limited. Local resident Kezang Tshomo, 53, expressed her relief at the opening of the centre, sharing her past struggles with travel for treatment. “I often had to go to Lhuentse Dzongkhag, and sometimes even to Mongar Dzongkhag, for treatment of my joint pain,” she recalled. “These trips were not only time-consuming but also costly.” Now, she can easily access treatment at the nearby homeopathy center, which has made a big difference.

Before the opening of this facility, Kezang relied on the services provided by the BHU in her gewog, which offered good care. However, with the new homeopathy centre in place, she now has more options for her treatment, allowing her to choose the best approach for managing her health conditions. For the residents of Metsho Gewog, the BHU has always played a vital role in providing essential healthcare services. The addition of the homeopathy centre is expected to ease the burden on the BHU while improving access to specialized care for chronic conditions that many villagers face.

Another resident, Dorji Mo, 67, expressed gratitude for the new centre, explaining how, in the past, she often travelled long distances to access herbal treatments for her chronic ailments. “We don’t have to travel far or worry about how we will get treated,” she said. “With the new homeopathy centre, we can access the treatments we need right here in our community. It’s a great relief for people like me.” Dorji emphasized that the availability of homeopathic services locally provides an important alternative to conventional medical treatments, giving villagers more options for their healthcare.

The homeopathy centre is expected to serve as a complementary healthcare facility, offering residents alternative treatments without the need for long and costly trips to distant urban centres. The centre is seen not only as a healthcare facility but also as a community resource that fosters well-being and health awareness among the residents of Metsho Gewog. With ongoing support from the local government and health authorities, the Homeopathy Healing Center represents a significant step towards enhancing healthcare access and improving the overall quality of life for residents in this rural area.

As the centre began its operations on October 7, there is widespread anticipation among the locals that it will significantly improve the quality of healthcare in the gewog, while also promoting traditional healing practices that have been passed down through generations. With the successful inauguration of the Homeopathy Healing Centre, the community of Metsho Gewog is poised for a healthier future, where the integration of diverse medical practices can lead to better health outcomes and improved quality of life for all.