SILIGURI, 14th August — In a bid to alleviate the challenges faced by patients traveling from Sikkim for medical care, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang inaugurated ‘Ama ko Goad’ Su-swasthya Niwas, a rental guest house facility, in Champasari, Siliguri, on Thursday. The three-storey health logistic hub, managed by the Gareeb Jankalyan Prakoshtha (GJKP), aims to provide affordable, secure, and well-equipped accommodations for patients and their families during hospital visits.
The facility addresses a critical gap in healthcare accessibility. Thousands of Sikkim residents annually travel to Siliguri, a major medical hub in North Bengal, for specialized treatments unavailable in their home state. However, high accommodation costs and limited lodging options have long burdened families.’अमाको गोड’/ ‘Ama ko Goad’ (translated as “Mother’s Lap”) seeks to mitigate these challenges by offering subsidized stays with amenities tailored to medical needs, including 24/7 security, wheelchair access, and proximity to major hospitals.
“This initiative reflects our government’s resolve to ensure no citizen struggles alone during their most vulnerable moments,” said CM Tamang during the inauguration. He emphasized that the facility’s operational model — managed by GJKP, a non-profit linked to the Sikkim government — combines public oversight with community-driven execution. Rates for rooms will remain nominal, prioritizing affordability for low-income families.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged GJKP Chief Patron Prabhakar Golay for his leadership in expediting the project. “Without the relentless efforts of GJKP’s team and medical staff, this vision would not have materialized,” he stated. Plans to expand the facility’s capacity and services are already underway, signaling a long-term commitment to healthcare support.
Bridging Gaps in Medical Logistics
The guest house currently features 25 rooms across three floors, with shared kitchens, laundry facilities, and common areas designed to foster community support among families. GJKP officials confirmed that priority will be given to patients referred by Sikkim-based hospitals, with bookings coordinated through a dedicated helpline.
Attendees at the event included GJKP executives, local dignitaries, and families of current patients. One attendee, Rina Sharma, whose son is undergoing cancer treatment in Siliguri, shared, “Staying here cuts our costs by half. We can now focus on recovery instead of worrying about rent.”
Strategic Expansion on the Horizon
While the initial phase focuses on immediate relief, CM Tamang hinted at scaling the project. “We aim to replicate this model near other major treatment centers, ensuring holistic support for all Sikkimese citizens,” he said. GJKP has also proposed partnerships with private hospitals to streamline patient referrals and lodging allocations.
The inauguration aligns with Sikkim’s broader healthcare reforms, including recent upgrades to rural hospitals and the introduction of air ambulance services. With ‘Ama ko Goad’ now operational, the state takes a tangible step toward equitable medical access — proving that logistical challenges need not compromise compassionate care.