Discussions are underway to reduce helicopter service fares for highlanders. This was shared by the Home Affairs minister during his recent visit to Lingzhi in Thimphu. The reduction was an election pledge by the current government. Highlanders thanked the government for providing a subsidy for helicopter services, having to pay only 50 per cent of the fare for now. However, they said even the subsidised fare of Nu 42,000 is unaffordable.
During the minister’s visit, people requested reducing the helicopter service fares, as promised during the election campaign last year.
The government pledged to offer a discount of 60 per cent fare of the total amount.
Highlanders said that the helicopter services have immensely benefitted them, especially during emergencies like medical evacuation.
During the minister’s visit, people requested reducing the helicopter service fares, as promised during the election campaign last year.
The government pledged to offer helicopter services at 60 per cent fare of the total amount.
Highlanders said that the helicopter services have immensely benefitted them, especially during emergencies like medical evacuation.
Wangdi, Lingzhi Gup said “Currently, patients who are seriously ill and require medical evacuation are given free helicopter services. However, patients who require treatment from the hospital and cannot walk or ride on horses have to avail themselves of helicopter services. So, there are some people who can afford to pay 100 per cent, but many cannot even pay 50 per cent. Therefore, they requested to reduce the fare from the existing 50 per cent.”
Dorji Drakpa, a resident of Gongyuel said “After reducing 50 per cent of helicopter fares, we have benefited a lot. We will be thankful if the government could reduce little from 50 per cent. Earlier, when we had to carry patients and pregnant women on our backs to the hospital, we used to face challenges. However, after reaching helicopter services, it has resolved our difficulties.”
Jigme Dendup, another resident from Chabesa said “Some people are there who can afford to pay the fares but there are many who can’t pay the money and have to carry patients on foot. When they have to carry patients there is the risk of dying before they reach hospital.”
Home Affairs minister Tshering said that they have promised to provide discounted fares and they are currently discussing it.
“We heard that people had to carry patients passing rivers, terrain, and mountains in the past. During that time, many patients passed away before reaching the hospital. During the second government’s term, the People’s Democratic Party provided discounted fares and it has benefited them a lot. During the 2023 election as well, it was mentioned in our pledges. We want to reduce fares and currently, we are undergoing discussions about it.”
The minister added discussions are ongoing to extend the fare reduction to civil servants, lams and lopens working in the gewog, who currently do not receive the subsidy.
Lingzhi is a three-day walk from the nearest road point at Barshong. People said that it takes a little over 20 minutes to reach the national referral hospital by helicopter.
Karma Wangdi, Lingzhi
Edited by Tshering Zam
