The doctor of many hues

26 September 2008

Unending queues and the strong heat stroke of summer daylights is an enduring trial for most patients in Phuentsholing. Looking for relief, patients can now flock to Dr Ritulal’s Lotus Clinic in Jaigaon after office hours in cooler climes.

With two examination rooms, a medical store and a doctor’s chamber, Dr Ritulal Sharma has set up a medical clinic in Jaigaon where he mostly examines Bhutanese patients. He employs a pharmacist and a nurse who assist him in proper service delivery.

The patients do not have to stand in row for several hours until the doctor disappears for a tea break. The registration is free and patients do not need appointments.

“When I first opened my clinic, there were times when not a single patient turned up. Over the months there has been drastic increase in the numbers and I am sure that by the end of the year my health clinic would gain popularity,” he said.

Having served as a medical officer for 23 years in Bhutan, Dr Ritulal has adopted a different way to provide better services. “When I was GDMO of Paro Dzongkhag in 1986 I used to examine around 100 patients a day. If we see lot of patients in a day it is virtually impossible to examine them properly. It is better to have fewer patients and ample time to consult and examine them properly,” he said.

Dr Ritulal feels that he is more efficient as a private medical practitioner than as a civil servant. “My clientele is building up and I see new faces every day. I have visitors from THPA, Thimphu, Chukha and Paro,” he said.

Being the first doctor to resign for political aspiration, huesDr Ritulal was the vice president of BPUP party until the party was dissolved before the general election. He still upholds his political drive and wishes that he could advocate positive social changes by becoming an upstanding politician. He is waiting for the next general election for better political fortunes.

Meanwhile, Dr Ritulal is making the best of his political hiatus by providing social services. “I usually do the routine checkups for the children of Day Care Centre and participate in public awareness campaign organized by the Jaigaon Youth Sports Club,” he said.

“Dr Ritulal is making the best of his time by supporting the community. This is a good step to gain popularity and win votes in the next election,” said a Phuentsholing resident.

However, Dr Ritulal assuredly feels that he is doing the right thing. “I examine all types of cases. Surgical cases, pregnancy, diabetics and routine care but I refer them to Thimphu hospital for medical test,” he said.

Being a veteran medical practitioner in Jaigaon, he feels that he can support people from all walks of life. Apart from being popular he is held in high esteem by the community which sees Dr Ritulal making the best use of his political break.

By Sangye Wangchuk

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