A 37-year-old man from Jabana village in Paro was airlifted to the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) in Thimphu after an arrow hit him on the chest on January 3.

“He had taken the arrow out as soon as it hit him,” said the man’s relative who shot the arrow.

The incident took place while the victim was playing archery with his friends and relatives to celebrate Nyilo.

According to the relative, the man’s condition is stable.

Meanwhile, a two-year-old boy was also admitted to JDWNRH after an arrow hit him on the forehead. The incident happened in Trongsa.

JDWNRH Neurosurgeon, Dr Tashi Tenzin, said that there was no protection and people did not really bother about the safety measures. “Most archers are under the influence of alcohol. The archery range is close to community houses.”

He added that when it came to awareness on safety, people were not really careful.

The boy’s condition is critical.

“Life-long disability or complication is expected,” said Dr Tashi Tenzin.

A week earlier, on December 22, a six-year-old boy from Punakha was also reported to have admitted to the hospital due to injury from an arrow.

Staff reporter