Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling inaugurated the 1000-bed multi-specialty hospital at Sochaygang, Sichey in East Sikkim on Monday.
On the occasion, he has also laid the foundation stone of the first Government Medical College of Sikkim.
In his address, the CM stated that it was a historic and happiest day for Sikkim and its people for having the 1000-bed multi-specialty hospital.
He mentioned that Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) government had taken the decision to build this multi-specialty hospital in year 2009 to provide the world-class medical service to the people of Sikkim but there was no any fund to start the work.
He stated that then bureaucrats expressed that it was impossible to build such multi-specialty hospital but the government stood firm on its decision and the foundation stone of the hospital was laid in 2010.
“I am very satisfied and happy now for the people of Sikkim for having the biggest multi-specialty government hospital in the State. It is the biggest government hospital after AIIMS New Delhi in the country,” he said.
He informed that funds from plan and non-plan of the State were used to construct the hospital and a soft loan of Rs 200 was taken to buy the medical equipment.
CM stated that it was the biggest landmark achievement of SDF government in the health sector.
He mentioned that the hospital has been equipped with the latest and advance machines and technologies.
While mentioning that the government has not only focused on the curative but also on preventive measures, the CM informed that the government has provided free vaccine for hepatitis- B, MDR and HPV to the people.
Sikkim was also the first state to start the free HPV vaccine campaign for cervical cancer. He expressed that the State government has been working on the mission-mode to make Sikkim TB Free State by 2022 and urged everyone for their support and contribution for the success of this mission.
CM mentioned that this hospital was fully digital and has been connected to all district hospitals of the State. He mentioned that the people can have the world class treatment in their own State.
CM mentioned that the upcoming State Medical College in the area will also promote the area as the educational hub. He informed that the first Medical College of the State would provide the free education to Sikkimese students.