Gangtok, August 15 : The newly established Organ Transplantation Centre and Post-Transplant ICU at STNM Hospital, Gangtok, were inaugurated today, marking a historic milestone in the advancement of specialised healthcare services in Sikkim.
The Organ Transplantation Centre and the Post-Transplant ICU were inaugurated by the Governor of Sikkim, Om Prakash Mathur, in the presence of the Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang, and Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Culture and Ayush Departments, GT Dhungel.
The inauguration of the Organ Transplantation Centre and Post-Transplant ICU was conducted at the Level 7 OT Complex entrance. The dignitaries unveiled the commemorative plaque, formally dedicating the newly established facilities to the people of Sikkim.
Addressing the media following the inauguration of the Organ Transplantation Centre and Post-Transplant ICU at STNM Hospital, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang described the commencement of kidney transplantation in Sikkim as a historic milestone achieved on the 80th Independence Day.
The Chief Minister informed that two Sikkimese patients were undergoing kidney transplantation for the first time within the state and expressed confidence in the success of the procedures. He congratulated the Health and Family Welfare Department, doctors, nurses, technicians and all personnel involved in making the initiative possible.
He highlighted the expansion of healthcare services since 2019, including dialysis centres across the state and the introduction of specialised cancer treatment, noting that these initiatives have significantly reduced the need for patients to travel outside Sikkim for treatment.
The Chief Minister also urged citizens to place greater trust in Sikkim’s doctors and healthcare institutions, stating that the state now has qualified super-specialists and modern medical infrastructure in several fields.
Highlighting the support extended to patients, he stated that eligible BPL families and Sikkim Subject Certificate/domicile holders would receive comprehensive assistance for kidney transplantation, including treatment, surgery and diagnostic tests, while post-operative medicines for up to six months and required surgical kits would also be supported under the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Scheme.
The Chief Minister extended his best wishes to the two patients and their families and congratulated the entire healthcare team on this landmark achievement for Sikkim.
Earlier, the family members of the first transplant patients were presented with Post-Operative Care packages under the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Scheme.
Following the inauguration, a video screening of the journey of setting up the kidney transplantation centre was held, showcasing the landmark medical intervention undertaken at STNM Hospital.
The landmark procedure was undertaken by the specialised transplant team from R N Tagore Hospital, Kolkata, led by Dr T A Jahangir, in close coordination with Dr Abhishek Gautam, Nephrologist, STNM Hospital, and the medical and support teams of STNM Hospital.
The historic procedures involved two Sikkimese patients. Neching Lepcha from Tashiding underwent kidney transplantation with his wife, Pem Diki Lepcha, as the donor. The second transplant involved Shova Chettri from Bhusuk, who received a kidney donated by Dal Bahadur Chettri.
The programme was attended by Advisor-cum-MLA, Health and Family Welfare Department and Culture Department, Thenlay Tshering Bhutia, Advisor-cum-MLA Kala Rai, Chairperson, Health and Family Welfare Department, Phurba Rinzing Sherpa, Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Tshewang Gyachho, alongside the Principal Director, Medical Superintendent, Additional Medical Superintendents, senior officials of the Health and Family Welfare Department, hospital administrators, specialist doctors, members of the transplant and operating teams, nursing officers, paramedical personnel, engineers, technical staff and other stakeholders associated with the establishment and operationalisation of the facilities.
The inauguration of the Organ Transplantation Centre and Post-Transplant ICU represents a significant addition to Sikkim’s healthcare infrastructure and reflects the state’s continued efforts towards expanding access to advanced medical services for its citizens.
