Under the misty peaks of the Himalayas, a quiet revolution unfolded in the remote village of PTC Yangang. Doctors in white coats hurried between tents, checking blood pressure, handing out medicines, and offering consultations, all for free. This was no ordinary medical camp. It was Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur’s flagship health initiative, timed to coincide with the state’s 50th Anniversary of joining India.
For 50 hours, medical teams from STNM Hospital, Central Referral Hospital (CRH) Manipal, and Neotia Siliguri provided critical care to villagers who often travel hours to reach a clinic. The camp, flagged off from Raj Bhavan on May 5, was more than just a health drive—it symbolised Sikkim’s journey from a secluded kingdom to a progressive Indian state.
A Himalayan Milestone: Health Camp Marks Sikkim’s 50th Anniversary
After centuries as a Buddhist monarchy, Sikkim became India’s 22nd state on May 16, 1975. Governor Mathur chose an unusual but powerful tribute to mark the Golden Jubilee: 50 hours of free healthcare in one of the state’s most hard-to-reach areas.
“Healthcare has been a cornerstone of Sikkim’s progress,” Governor Mathur said at the launch. “This camp is our way of ensuring that no one is left behind.”
Raj Bhavan has organized annual health camps since 2017, but this year’s event carried extra weight. With cardiology, paediatrics, and general medicine specialists, the camp aimed to serve over 1,500 residents in Yangang and nearby villages.
Inside the Camp: A Lifeline for Remote Communities
Who Came and What Was Offered?
- Medical Teams: 35 doctors and nurses from top hospitals.
- Services: Free check-ups, diabetes screenings, maternal health advice, and essential medicines.
- Preventive Care: Workshops on nutrition, hygiene, and disease prevention.
Voices from the Ground
Tshering Dorjee, a 62-year-old farmer, had never checked his blood pressure. “The nearest hospital is three hours away,” he said. “This camp saved me the trip.”
Another attendee, 28-year-old mother Pema Lhamu, learned about child nutrition for the first time. “I didn’t know how important vitamins are,” she admitted. “Now, I’ll feed my children better.”
Despite the success, challenges remain. Sikkim’s rugged terrain makes healthcare access difficult, especially during monsoons when landslides cut off villages.
Sikkim’s 50-Year Journey: From Monarchy to Modernity
A Brief History
- Pre-1975: Ruled by the Chogyal dynasty, Sikkim was a Buddhist kingdom with close ties to Tibet.
- 1975: A referendum merged Sikkim with India, making it the country’s smallest and second-least populous state.
Key Achievements
- 2003: First Indian state to ban plastic bags.
- 2016: Khangchendzonga National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- 2020: Achieved 100% sanitation coverage under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Healthcare has seen dramatic improvements. In 1975, Sikkim had only four hospitals. Today, it boasts 24 government hospitals and 147 primary health centres. Infant mortality has dropped from 48 deaths per 1,000 births (1990) to 22 (2022).
The Governor’s Role: Health as a Priority
Governor Om Prakash Mathur, a former civil servant, has made healthcare a key focus. Under his leadership, Raj Bhavan has:
- The organization has hosted 12 health camps since 2017, serving over 10,000 people.
- Launched telemedicine pilots in Gangtok to connect specialists with rural clinics.
“Our goal is 100% health literacy by 2030,” Mathur said. “Prevention is just as important as treatment.”
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Obstacles
- Geography: 86% of Sikkim is mountainous, making travel challenging.
- Shortages: Only one doctor per 1,800 people—below the national average (1:1,511).
Future Plans
- Mobile Clinics: New vans with diagnostic tools for remote areas.
- AI Diagnostics: Pilot project to screen for diseases using artificial intelligence.
Conclusion: A Healthy Future for Sikkim
As Sikkim celebrates 50 years of statehood, Governor Mathur’s health camp sends a clear message: progress must reach everyone. With better infrastructure, telemedicine, and community outreach, the state aims to become a model for Himalayan healthcare.
“Democracy isn’t just about votes,” Mathur said. “It’s about dignity—and good health is the first step.”
For now, the camp’s success in Yangang proves that even in the world’s highest mountains, change is possible, one free check-up at a time.
