GANGTOK, SEPT 2: The newly inaugurated Integrated Public Health Laboratory (IPHL) at District Hospital Mangan is expected to strengthen diagnostic services in the district, but a shortage of manpower and technical personnel remains a key challenge to fully operationalising the facility and expanding hospital services.
The IPHL was inaugurated on Wednesday by Forest and Environment Minister Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, who inspected the facility before visiting the hospital’s Dialysis Centre.
The laboratory, with Biochemistry, Pathology and Microbiology divisions, will provide a range of diagnostic tests, including investigations related to blood sugar, kidney and liver functions, blood counts, hepatitis, dengue, typhoid and other infections.
However, officials highlighted a significant manpower gap. Dr Sekha Subba said the laboratory requires 11 staff members for effective functioning, while there is currently a shortage of personnel. The shortage raises concerns over the laboratory’s ability to operate at its intended capacity and provide the full range of services consistently.
The wider issue of staffing comes as District Hospital Mangan seeks to expand its healthcare capacity. Minister Lepcha said the hospital’s Operation Theatre is expected to become functional shortly, which would add to its ability to provide comprehensive services.
The Minister stressed that the newly established laboratory must be utilised effectively for the benefit of the people and assured that necessary requirements and facilities for strengthening healthcare services in the district would be provided in due course.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Anita Bhutia said the IPHL would improve access to quality diagnostic services for patients within the district.
Mangan, a disaster-prone district, also relies heavily on the hospital during emergencies. Additional District Magistrate Pema Wangchen Namkarpa commended the hospital’s doctors, nurses, medical staff and support personnel for their continued service during disasters.
While the IPHL marks an important addition to Mangan’s healthcare infrastructure, adequate manpower and technical staffing will remain crucial for ensuring that the new facility—and the hospital’s expanding services—become fully functional and sustainable.
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