Spiritual or religious aspects in the lives of many patients are disturbed when in the hospital. But a religious support programme at the National Referral Hospital in Thimphu is proving helpful during such a time. Started last year, the programme provides patients with spiritual companionship.
People listening keenly to the religious discourse and contemplating on every word the Lam says is a typical scene at the Kidu Guest House. For now, the arrangement is only for the patients living in the Guest House. Patients said attending spiritual talk provides them a peace of mind. “Such a programme in the guest house is beneficial as it is difficult for us to go to places and listen to religious discourses. But here the Lam comes and imparts his knowledge,” said one of the patients living in Kidu Guest House, Wangchuk.
Other patients also said, the spiritual discourse has helped them heal anxiety and mental illnesses. “The religious discourse is helpful for us as the Lam comes here to share his knowledge. As patients, it is difficult for us to go to other places for any religious activities,” said another patient at Kidu Guest House, Tashi Norbu.
Besides the religious discourse, the support programme also provides other religious services in the National Referral Hospital. However, lesser people are aware of its existence.
“We provide religious discourses, offer prayers for the dead, and many more. This is as per the Royal Command of His Majesty The King. We are available for people who cannot afford rituals when a person dies. The service is for free,” said Lam Phub Dorji of National Referral Hospital.
Currently, Thimphu hospital is the only heath centre in the country with a religious support programme.
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