Governor interacts with patients at STNM Hospital, reviews healthcare facilities

GANGTOK,: Governor Dushyant Gautam visited STNM Hospital, Sochakgang today and interacted with the patients in different wards.

The Governor distributed fruits to the patients undergoing treatment and diagnosis in the hospital and wished them speedy recovery.

The Governor also reviewed the basic healthcare facilities at the hospital, other medical services extended to the patients and made certain suggestions for necessary improvements. During the visit, Health secretary Tshewang Gyachho briefed the Governor about infrastructure, availability of life saving medicines and the overall healthcare system, informs a Lok Bhavan release.

Thereafter, Gautam visited Helen Lepcha Sikkim Government Medical College, near STNM hospital and paid floral tribute to the statue of freedom fighter Helen Lepcha. He also visited different classrooms.

In his brief interaction with students, the Governor encouraged the students to pursue the medical profession with utmost dedication, sincerity and a spirit of service.

He said, "Medical students should come forward with dedication to provide health services in rural areas and I hope that you would make valuable contributions in the future towards ensuring accessible healthcare facilities for the people of State".

Further, he said that the Helen Lepcha Sikkim Government Medical College would strengthen medical education, enhance the availability of specialist doctors and further improve healthcare services in the State.

Later, he visited Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts (DHH) at Zero Point and took a tour of the demonstration and production section, and exhibition-cum-emporium unit. He also interacted with DHH officials, handloom weavers and handicraft artisans.

DHH director T.T. Bhutia informed the Governor that all the handloom products were made from natural fibres, ensuring quality assurance, eco-friendly production, traditional craftsmanship and exclusively dedicated to women weavers.

The Governor appreciated the DHH’s sustained efforts in empowering the weaving community in the State. He said handloom products are more than textiles and reflected Sikkim's heritage, craftsmanship and self-reliance, lauding the contribution of the state's weavers’ community in preserving its rich cultural legacy.

He said that the promotion of traditional handloom and handicraft products not only helps in preserving the Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage of the State but also strengthens the rural economy and creates a sustainable livelihood opportunity for local communities. The Governor further said that there was huge potential to expand their reach in domestic as well as global markets. He encouraged the concerned authorities to continue their efforts in promoting locally made products. He also stressed the need to enhance their brand value through innovation, quality assurance and effective marketing strategies.

The Governor also engaged with weavers and artisans on their experiences, innovations and the opportunities.