Specialised healthcare services expanded in Namchi with laparoscopic surgery camp, Day Care Cancer Centre

GANGTOK, (IPR): Healthcare services in Namchi received a major boost with the inauguration of a six-day gallbladder stone laparoscopic surgery camp and a seven-bedded Day Care Cancer Centre at Namchidistrict hospital today. The initiatives are aimed at providing advanced treatment closer to patients in Namchi and neighbouring areas, reducing the need to travel outside the district or State for specialised medical care.

The inaugural programme was attended by Urban Development minister Bhoj Raj Rai as the chief guest, while Namchi-Singithang MLA Satish Chandra Rai was present as the guest of honour.

At the outset, the chief guest and the guest of honour interacted with doctors, staff nurses, technicians and other healthcare professionals involved in the laparoscopic surgery camp. The medical team is scheduled to perform laparoscopic procedures on more than 100 registered patients in coordination with the Garib Jan Kalyan Prakosta.

The seven-bedded Day Care Cancer Centre was also inaugurated during the programme with the objective of providing accessible and comprehensive oncology care closer to the homes of cancer patients. The centre will provide treatment, follow-up and referral services under the supervision of oncologist Dr Ashis Rai. The facility is already operational, with two patients currently receiving care.

Addressing the gathering, chief guest Bhoj Raj Rai described the commencement of the two initaitives as a new chapter in healthcare delivery for the people of the region. He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister prem Singh Tamang for visionary initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare services and promoting the welfare and wellbeing of the people of Sikkim.

He stated that the State government has consistently accorded priority to the healthcare sector and described the introduction of specialised services at the district level as a major benefit for the public. He urged people to make optimum use of the facilities and services available at Namchi District Hospital.

Emphasising the role of healthcare professionals, the minister said compassion, kindness and dedication towards patients are integral to quality healthcare. He urged healthcare workers to discharge their responsibilities with empathy and professionalism, noting that even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference to patients and their families.

He also assured continued support to the district administration and Namchidistrict hospital and stated that necessary assistance would be extended towards strengthening hospital infrastructure and improving the management of its sewage treatment facilities.

MLA Satish Chandra Rai expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for bringing specialised healthcare services closer to the people of Namchi and adjoining areas. He said the availability of laparoscopic surgery and a Day Care Cancer Centre at the district hospital would provide considerable relief to patients who previously had to travel outside the district for specialised treatment.

Health secretary TshewangGyacho Bhutia highlighted the department’s continued efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and expand specialised medical services across Sikkim. He emphasised the need to improve healthcare delivery and ensure timely access to quality treatment closer to people’s respective districts.

He also underlined the vital contribution of frontline health workers, particularly ANMs and MPHWs serving in rural areas. Noting that many experienced personnel are approaching retirement, he stressed the need for timely recruitment and replacement by young health workers committed to serving in rural areas to ensure continuity of grassroots healthcare services.

Speaking about advanced healthcare facilities being developed in the State, Bhutia highlighted services including IVF treatment and organ transplantation, along with other specialised medical services being prepared and provided at STNM Hospital in Gangtok. He also stressed the need to strengthen C-section facilities at Mangan district hospital in view of the geographical challenges faced by the region.

Referring to advanced ophthalmic equipment installed at the district hospital, he proposed strengthening retinal and other specialised ophthalmic services so that patients can access advanced eye care locally. He further highlighted upcoming state-of-the-art healthcare centres and other projects aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to specialised medical services.

Dr. Birendra Gurung, paediatrician at Helen Lepcha Sikkim Government Medical College, delivered a presentation on thiamine deficiency disorders among infants. He highlighted the importance of nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life and explained the role of essential vitamins and micronutrients in supporting children’s physical and cognitive development.

He stressed the importance of adequate complementary feeding from the sixth month onwards and called for greater awareness among parents and caregivers regarding appropriate infant nutrition. He also highlighted the importance of timely supplementation and nutritional interventions in addressing micronutrient deficiencies.

The programme also witnessed the release of IEC materials for ANQAS primary health centres to strengthen awareness and quality improvement initiatives at the primary healthcare level. In addition, thiamine, Vitamin D and micronutrient supplementation for infants was launched as part of preventive healthcare and nutrition interventions.

Namchi CMO Dr. Junita Yonjon expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for continued support towards strengthening healthcare services in Namchi and acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the Health Secretary, doctors, technicians, nurses and other healthcare workers.

It maybe mentioned here that laparoscopic surgery and Day Care Cancer Centre will now be fully operational at Namchi district hospital, providing the people of the district and neighbouring areas with access to specialised surgical care closer to home and eliminating the need to travel outside the State for such treatment.