Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh announce Rs.1000 crore rebuild Sikkim

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh arrived in Sikkim today to review the relief operations in the quake ravaged hill state.

During his one day visit Prime Minister reviewed the situation with the senior government officials.

He visited the STNM hospital in the state capital to meet people injured in the earthquake.PM announced a relief package of Rs.1000 crore with special emphasis to rebuild schools and monasteries ,besides providing earthquake proof housing to people of Sikkim.

A State Government spokesman said in Gangtok that the PM also schedule to undertake for an aerial view of the quake affected areas in North Sikkim.

The earth quake which measured 6.8 on Richter scale, killed 78 people and caused extensive damage in the state.

Far flung areas of the State still remain inaccessible as the roads have been damaged due to quake.

Meanwhile, Army helicopters have resumed sorties to the inaccessible parts of Chungthang, Lachen and Lachung in quake ravaged areas to drop relief material.

The army choppers airdropped 9,408 kg of relief to the region.

Gangtok To Get Multi Specialty Hospital Soon

GANGTOK, July 4: The construction of 575 bedded multi specialty Hospital in capital as earlier proposed has recently been upgraded to 1000 bedded and the construction work has already started at lower Sichey site.

While speaking to the Director General cum Secretary, Health Care, Health Services and Family welfare Department Dr. Kumar Bhandari informed that the change in construction of 1000 bedded instead of 575 bedded hospitals in capital is the Chief Minister’s vision considering the future development of state and the population growth too.

Adding more Dr. Bhandari said that with in 3 – 4 years from now the construction of the hospital along with the equipments required will be completed and there are plans of introducing as much specialists as possible in the multi specialty hospital along with maximum man power to benefit the people of the state in regards to availing medical facilities at par with modern demands.

Furthermore Dr. Bhandari added that the approval for tying up with the multi specialty hospital from across the nation in operating the super specialty part of the hospital has already been accorded by the State Government. The construction of the hospital will be carried out in a phased manner and soon after the completion of the infrastructure building the equipment and additional facilities required by the hospital will be met. The construction of multi specialty hospital is a big project and the approximate cost of construction proposed is to about Rs. 400 Crores but it is expected to increase in days ahead added Dr. Bhandari.

Adding more when inquired about the tour with CM to distant areas especially in south and west district which are completed Dr. Bhandari said that “I am quite impressed with the staff members of primary health centers and especially with the primary health sub centers staffs who are working dedicatedly and serving the people to their best of ability in such far-flung areas like Lhabdang, Karzi, Phamtam areas and many more such difficult areas in stat. The tour has given the insight and the first hand impression of the problems faced by the people and those delivering the services” informed Dr. Bhandari. Adding more Dr. Bhandari said that we are grateful to the CM as this tour have been a great eye opener for all who have been walking together with the CM in the 40days long village to village tour.

Furthermore when asked about the procurement of medicines for the state Dr. Bhandari said that the procurement of medicines directly from the company system was very good but the system was not appreciated by the people at large and numerous criticism were off and on. Considering the criticism faced by the government or the department in regards to procurement of medicines a proposal was put forward by the department to the government whether to continue the new system introduced or to follow the Sikkim Financial rule and go for national tender. In connection to the proposal made by the Department we received direction from the government to opt for the second option and on the basis of the direction met a national advertisement for inviting tender has been met informed Dr. Bhandari. Both the decision on procurement of medicine for state were carried out only after receiving the cabinet approval and the medicine procured hence forth for state will be amounting to the same amount of Rs. 5 crores as earlier.

Infant dies at STNM Hospital, relatives allege medical negligence

Gangtok, 3 June: A two and a half months old child breathed his last in the Pediatrics

ward of STNM hospital at Gangtok in Sikkim on 2nd June at around 9:30 AM. As told by YP Chettri, the father of the deceased, this could have been avoided if the doctors had referred his son timely to some other hospital. His son was admitted in the hospital on 28th May with fever. The father has

further stated that the death was due to carelessness of the hospital and also because of lack of equipments.

Questioning the state of affairs at the hospital Mr Chettri further added that the State Government has several plans to make Sikkim healthy and happy but with such careless management in operation at the State’s biggest hospital the dream never shall come true. He also alleged that doctors did not come when he had called them seeing the bad condition of his son.

When contacted regarding the issue, Dr. CK Nepal informed that they don’t have the authority to speak with media.

(isikkim)

Existing STNM hospital @ Gangtok will serve as Emergency Wing:Superintendent

GANGTOK, April 28: In a development that could rein in the controversy surrounding the relocation of Sir Thutop Namgyal Memorial (SNTM) hospital to Sichey from its present location, a hospital authority today said the heritage hospital will be conserved.


The present structure will be kept as it is and there will be no fiddling with it, said STNM superintendent Dr IL Sharma to reporters here today. He added that the present STNM hospital should not be linked with the upcoming multi-specialty hospital at Sichey.

Dr Sharma said that emergency wing of the STNM hospital will be maintained while other modern facilities will be coming up at the 557 bedded new multi-specialty hospital at Sichey.

It should not be understood that that the existing structure will be demolished for other projects once the new multi-specialty hospital comes up at 25 acres of land at Sichey, said the STNM superintendent in response to concerns expressed by various organizations.

At the same time, they should understand that we are trying to provide better treatment options here at Sichey to the Sikkimese people who are going to Siliguri, Delhi and Bangalore for treatment, said Dr Sharma.

“No one anywhere is affected by the construction of a new hospital. Instead, people benefit”, said the STNM superintendent.

Dr Sharma highlighted that the upcoming multi-specialty hospital at Sichey is a visionary decision of the State government to extend modern treatment facilities and give more benefit to the people of Sikkim. He pointed out that there is no nursing college in Sikkim. Due to this, we have not been able to fulfill the requirement of 300 more nurses in the State, he said.

Once the new hospital comes up, the State will be having its own nursing home and nursing board along with a medical college, said Dr Sharma. He appealed those opposing the shifting of the STNM hospital to support the State government in setting up nursing and medical colleges in the State

HIV/AIDS count reach 157 in Sikkim

GANGTOK, November 27: As the whole world joins hand in observing the World AIDS Day with the vow of preventing the ailment on December 1, the toll of HIV/AIDS patients in Sikkim has reached 157.
The year 2009 alone recorded 26 HIV/AIDS cases in Sikkim, which authorities reveal is less than it was recorded last year. The Sikkim State Aids Control Society had recorded the highest number of cases in 2008, which numbered to 46. However, no cases of HIV positive were recorded in 1996.
The latest SSACS statistics reveals that 102 males and 55 females are infected with HIV.
According to the statistics, East District dominates the numbers with 91 male and 51 female cases while the West District records the least number with 1 male and 1 female case.
No female with HIV/AIDS have been detected in North District except for 2 male cases.
The data further reveals that 47 persons aged between 30-39 years are victims of HIV/AIDS, 2 below the age of 10, 1 case between 11-19 years, 31 cases aged between 20-29, 17 cases between 40-49years and 4 above 50 years.
“132 HIV/AIDS patients are infected through sexual mode while 11 are through injecting drug, 3 from infected parent to child, 5 from infected blood transfusion and 6 cases are still waiting for the finding of it’s mode of transmission,” sources said.
As a step towards spreading awareness to the people, there are integrated counselling and testing centers in Sikkim including one mobile van ICTC which are also providing facility to prevent parent to child transmission, said Namgyal T. Sherpa, SSACS Project Director.
He added that the AIDS Day celebration would be low key in the Capital this year with few rallies and awareness programmes. “This time we have got less fund allocation from the National AIDS Control Organization so there would be no major events related with World AIDS Day,” the project director said.

One Girl dies of drug overdose, another assaulted

GANGTOK, November 20: Nikki Sherpa (26) of Chalisey East Sikkim presently staying at Sichey Gangtok died yesterday due to drug overdose.
She has been reported brought dead at STNM Hospital. Police investigation revealed that the deceased lived with Roshan Chettri (28) of Melli, South Sikkim. Police also recovered 984 capsules of Spasmo Proxyvon from their room, after which Roshan was arrested.
Police have registered a case of unnatural death against the deceased while a case under section 9 of Sikkim Anti Drug Act 2006 was registered against Roshan.
In another case, one Tina Pradhan, wife of Ganesh Cintury, registered a complaint at Melli Police station stating that, Purna Kr Tamang of Kerabari village entered to her house complex with khukuri in his hand and cut the flowers of the complex before hitting on her husband’s stomach with khukuri. This incident had taken place on November 17 at around 7.45 pm.
The victim was admitted at Melli PHC and is under treatment. The Melli police has arrested the accused and registered a case against him under section 447/324/427 of IPC

Sabji Mandi :a temporary alternative STNM Hospital Site

CM inspects alternative site for Gangtok STNM hospital
GANGTOK, November 6 (IPR): The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling visited Sabji Mandi located at Sichey, few kilometers from here today to examine the possibilities for a temporary alternative STNM Hospital site.
During the visit, the Chief Minister directed the State Health Department to submit the detailed project report as per the requirements of department of the Hospital before December 15, 2009 including the renovation of present infrastructure of Sabji Mandi. Mr. Chamling expressed that it should be made in such a way that it should have all the facilities including the Staff Quarters, Parking place, Gardens, Meditation Room, Mental and Psychological health care with holistic approaches.
The Chief Minister was companioned by State Health Minister DN Takarpa, State RMDD Minister CB Karki, State Building and Housing Minister Tilu Gurung, Secretaries of State Health Department, Medical Superintendent of STNM Hospital, Doctors, Officials from East District Administration, Engineers and other officials

One jawan dead, seven others injured in Nathula road mishap

pic:SikkimExpress
GANGTOK, November 7: One army jawan was killed and seven others of the Rajputana Regiment were injured in various degrees today afternoon when their vehicle slipped down the road at 9th Mile along Jawarhal Nehru Marg connecting Gangtok with Nathu La border.
The mishap took place at around 3:30 pm but the reasons for the accident are not known yet.
Police sources said that the army vehicle was coming from Nathu La to Gangtok and all the eight jawans were injured in the accident.
Among the injured jawans, three are taken for treatment at STNM hospital. They are Ugan Singh, Sudhir and Prem Singh. The other five were rushed to the army hospital at Libing army cantonment here and their names have not been yet disclosed.
STNM director Dr IL Sharma said that the condition of one jawan at STNM hospital was serious while the conditions of the other two are also weak.
Later it was informed that Sudhir succumbed to his injuries at the STNM hospital while the other two were also taken to the army hospital at Libing. The deceased was from Uttar Pradesh, it is informed.
After the accident took place, Sherathang police led by the in-charge officer rushed in for rescue and relief operation. The army jawans and locals of 15th Mile and 3rd Mile also came forward in the rescue operation.
The injured were sent to Gangtok for treatment in the tourist and army vehicles.

NICED evaluates Sikkim’s preparedness for H1N1 containment

Three suspect swine flu cases turn negative
GANGTOK, August 21: The Regional Team from NICED, Kolkata, for control of H1N1 and In-charges for Sikkim visited the Singtam District Hospital, Central Referral Hospital and Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Hospital on August 19 to evaluate the State’s preparedness for H1N1 containment.
The State Health Department has in a press statement today said the regional team expressed satisfaction after visiting STNM Hospital Complex, including H1N1 Screening Centre, Isolation Wards, etc to deal with cases of H1N1. The regional team said that precautionary steps taken up by Sikkim should be a model for others to adopt, said Dr Namgyal T Sherpa, the team leader of the Monitoring Task Force.
Meanwhile, swab samples taken from the three suspect patients for testing of H1N1 virus turned out to be negative at the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), Kolkata.
“The condition of the three patients, who were suffering from fever and throat infections since last week, substantially improved following treatment,” Dr. Sherpa told media persons today.
He added no swine flu case has been reported from any part of Sikkim with proper arrangements already in place at all government hospitals in the four districts.
As far as the response from the Centre is concerned, Tarun Sridhar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, GOI and the Nodal Officer H1N1 for Sikkim visited the state on August 14 and held a meeting with the Health Department officials and the members of the State Task Force, Secretary Animal Husbandry, DC (East). Various issues related to Influenza (H1N1) situations were discussed in the said meeting.
Updating the role of the State H1N1 Monitoring Task Force in Sikkim, the State Health Department also said no confirmed case of swine flu has been reported in the State and the number of cases hospitalized is nil.
Earlier, a meeting was chaired by State Health Minister on August 12 for the preparedness and prevention of H1N1 pandemic in the State. Besides, taking stock of the situation a State Task Force was then constituted to prevent and control H1N1 in Sikkim.

Relief in Sikkim after Swine Flu swab test negative

GANGTOK, 21 AUG: Sikkim is breathing easy. All three Swine Flu suspected samples reported from Sikkim so far have tested negative.
Last week, three throat swabs were collected from two women patients and one male on Swine Flu suspicion at Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Hospital (STNM).
The samples were sent to the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (NICED), Kolkata, and yesterday evening those were declared negative. The suspected patients had come to Sikkim from areas with H1N1 outbreaks.
According to Dr Namgyal T Sherpa, team leader, state H1N1 monitoring task force, with the samples testing negative, the number of hospitalized and confirmed cases in Sikkim is nil. It may be mentioned here that the state health department had last week formed an H1N1 monitoring task force to check any H1N1 case in Sikkim. A five-bed isolation ward was set up at the STNM hospital, while similar wards were also set up in the district hospitals across the state.
Owing to space constraint, the Central Referral Hospital of the Manipal group at Tadong near here has also been roped in to accommodate 20 Swine Flu patients if necessary.It is informed that a regional team from the NICED, which was in the state on 19 August expressed satisfaction with the steps taken by the state health department for H1N1 containment.
The team had visited the Singtam district hospital, STNM and the CRH Manipal Hospital to evaluate the preparations to deal with Swine Flu cases

3 swine flu suspects found negative in Sikkim

Gangtok, Aug 21 (PTI) In a relief for health authorities in Sikkim, samples of all three swine flu suspects were found negative today and no fresh cases were reported.

The swab samples taken from the three patients for testing of H1N1 virus turned out to be negative at the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), Kolkata, nodal medical officer for screening of swine flu cases Dr. N T Sherpa told PTI here.

The condition of the three patients, who were suffering from fever and throat infections since last week, substantially improved following treatment, he said.

On the overall situation, he said no swine flu case has been reported from any part of Sikkim with proper arrangements already in place at all government hospitals in the four districts.

Lab report of three suspected swine flu cases still awaited

Gangtok, Aug 19 The condition of three patients in Sikkim suspected to be suffering from the symptoms of swine flu has improved even as the report of their sample test is still awaited, a senior medical official of the STNM hospital said today.

"The condition of three patients, two gents and one lady, has improved and they do not not have fever or soreness of throat as of now," N T Sherpa, who is the nodal officer for the management and screening of suspected swine flu in Sikkim, told PTI here.

The report on their samples which was sent to the National Institute of Cholera and Communicable Diseases (NICD), Kolkata for testing for H1N1 virus was still being awaited, he said.

Apart from the three cases of suspected swine flu in Sikkim whose samples were collected by the STNM authorities on Monday last, no no fresh case has been reported from anywhere in the state, Sherpa said.

The nodal medical officer said that in the meantime adequate preventive measures have been taken to prevent the outbreak of H1N1 disease in Sikkim and elaborate arrangements have been made at all government hospitals in the four districts to treat such cases.

STNM forwards three swab samples for H1N1 test

Gangtok: Throat swab samples of three persons, 2 male and 1 female, suspected for H1N1 virus infection have been sent to Kolkota for testing on Tuesday by Sir Thudop Namgyal Memorial (STNM) hospital authority.
Dr. I.L. Sharma, Superintendent of the hospital, confirmed the report and said the persons (all local) came to the hospital outdoor with influenza symptoms. Their symptoms were not severe so they were released after taking their swab samples for testing. An isolation ward has been set up in the STNM hospital premises for swine flu patients, if any, Dr. Sharma informed. Dr.Namgyal T. Sherpa, Senior Medical Officer, in charge of H1N1 flu cases in STNM, said a check team of five doctors has been formed. “On Tuesday, Dr. Chintamani Sharma has been sent to Kolkata with the swab samples. According to rule, the test report should come within 24 hours but we heard there is a heavy load of pending tests. So the reports may be somewhat delayed,” Dr.Namgyal told Sikkim Reporter. “The suspected cases are in the age group 20 to 40 years”, he said.

Suspected swine flu cases in Sikkim

Gangtok, Aug 17 (PTI) Three persons hailing from New Delhi today showed symptoms of swine flu here, prompting health authorities to send their samples of swab to the National Institute of Communicable and Enteric Diseases (NICED) at Kolkata for confirmatory test.

The attending doctors have collected the samples of throat infection of the three persons which would be sent tomorrow to NICED, Kolkata for test, Dr N T Sherpa, Head of Medicine Department at STNM Hospital told PTI.

Meanwhile, a five-bed isolation ward at STNM Hospital would be set up tomorrow to treat swine flu cases if any, he said

STNM is capable of treating swine flu, says Sikkim Health Secy

Gangtok,August14: “All viral fevers are not swine flu. Its a common flu like any other influenza and could be easily cured in 5-7 days if precautions are taken properly. As a communicable disease, it can spread rapidly. So far, no case of pandemic flu has been reported in the state, but one has to be very careful to prevent such a pandemic”, said Mr. Vijay Bhusan Pathak, Secretary, Health Department, Government of Sikkim.
Addressing a press conference, Mr. Pathak said STNM Hospital has set up an isolation ward with five beds and, if required, “we can increase the number (of beds)”.
He further said, “We are having well trained medical experts who are capable of every treatment related to this flu.
Necessary Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is here. The only thing we lack is a diagnostic laboratory for swine flu test”.
He said, any suspected person will be referred to Micro Biology Laboratory and sample will be sent to either NICT, Kolkata or Dibrugarh, Assam. If any patient tested positive, necessary treatment will be provided either at STNM or at his home if he wants.
He said, as Sikkim is a tourist destination, health department has deputed a team of experts at the two entry points, Rangpo and Melli, to check all the vehicles entering the state. Any suspected visitor will be provided help.
“A hype about the situation has been created. People believe media. We need the help of media to make the situation clear to the masses”, Mr. Pathak said, seeking media’s help “to tackle the situation”.
Regarding availability of antiviral medicines, Dr. Bhandari said, only Government of India is importing all the required equipments and medicines.

Swine Flu isolation ward now in Gangtok

GANGTOK, 13 AUG: The state health department has decided to set up a dedicated isolation ward at the Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Hospital (STNM) complex, in the wake of nationwide outbreak of the deadly Swine Flu. A team of specialist medics would monitor the ward between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m..
According to Mr Vijay Bhusan Pathak, commissioner-cum-secretary, state health department, an H1N1 screening and management team headed by Dr K Bhandari of the STNM would conduct all influenza related diagnosis and tests. The team underwent a three-week special training at the National Institute of Communicable Disease (NICD), Delhi to contain the viral outbreak.
Mr Pathak further informed that the state and district level rapid response teams formed during the Bird Flu outbreak in March, would be pressed into action to avert the threat of H1N1 in the state.
The STNM hospital would have a five-bed isolation ward for the purpose while other district hospitals would have two beds in isolation in all four districts. Due to space constraints at the STNM hospital, the department has urged the Central Referral Hospital run by the Manipal group to accommodate 20 H1N1 patients if necessary. Suspected swab samples from the OPD and isolation centers would be collected at the STNM microbiology lab and have those tested at the NICD, Kolkata.
It is also informed that a team of doctors would conduct visual inspection of people entering the state through inter-state borders at Rangpo and Melli. “Anybody with related symptoms would be examined properly,” said Mr Pathak. Furthermore, all private medicine practitioners have been directed to refer any influenza case to the designated government hospitals.
An advisory has been issued to avoid visiting crowded places and follow standard sneezing and coughing etiquettes to avoid spread of H1N1. No cases of Influenza A H1N1 have been reported in Sikkim till date.

STNM HOSPITAL AT GANGTOK TO BE UPGRADED SOON

RAAMAMOORTHY GIVES A POSITIVE NOD TO UPGRADATION OF STNM

“The progress of National Rural Health Mission programme should be taken up as mission mode with a missionary zeal”

GANGTOK, September 25: K Raamamoorthy, IAS, Joint Secretary, Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare assured the State Health Department for extension of all possible help required from the Ministry for infrastructure facilities and upgradation of Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Hospital.
He was here in the capital in Gangtok for a five day visit to review the ongoing National Rural Health Mission Programme (NRHMP) and modernization/upgradation of STNM from 300 to 500 bedded hospital.
During the meeting with the Heath officials Mr. Raamamoorthy also said that if the department will be able to project their requirement for central assistance then there will be no problem for extending financial assistance to the State. He further says fund is no problem for North-East States but the problem is “a problem of plenty” as North East is having 1500 crores and more for development of health care infrastructure facilities.
The cost for development of manpower and maintenance etc has to be shouldered by the State Government for better health care system in the State, he informed.
He also took stock of the present position/progress of the work taken under NRHMP in different fields. Expressing his happiness regarding the progress made under NRHMP for infrastructure and hospital management, he advised the gathering of doctors, officers, specialist etc, to ‘think big, think for a better tomorrow and to work for the next generation.” He also mentioned that the progress of NRHMP should be taken up as “mission mode with a missionary zeal”. The formation of National Health Mission is the vision of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Union Health Minister Dr. Ramadoss to provide better health care system in the rural areas of the country, he said.
Mr. Raamamoorthy accompanied Karma Gyatso, IAS, Principal Secretary, Health had called on the Chief Secretary ND Chingapa at his chamber and apprised him of the purpose of the visit.
Mr. Ramamoorthy also attended the convocation at Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Tadong on September 24.
Earlier, Karma Gyatso stated the health scenario of the State and requested Mr. Raamamoorthy to advise the programme officers of NRHM and also requested him to visit the STNM hospital. Dr K Bhandari , Principal Chief Consultant gave the introductory remarks of STNM hospital and requirement of upgradation of the same into a 500 bedded hospital under one roof for better management of the hospital administration. Dr SC Pradhan, Director, Health Services who also heads the NRHMP apprised the house regarding progress of the mission activities in the State.

Newborn dies at Gangtok hospital

Gangtok, Sept. 10: A couple whose newborn son died at Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Hospital here last night have accused the on-duty doctor of medical negligence.
Damber Kumari Sharma and her husband Rohit claimed that their son had developed complications hours after he was born at 7.30pm through normal delivery. But their calls for help went unheeded.
“There was not a single doctor on night duty apart from the paediatrician who was at home,” Rohit’s younger brother Bhushan told journalists today. “We repeatedly requested the nurses on duty to call the doctor, but she never came, even though we were willing to provide a vehicle or shell out the transportation fare. Finally, the doctor arrived in the morning and we were told the baby is dead. This is pure negligence.”
The Sharmas, who had waited 12 years for their first child, have lodged a complaint with the hospital authorities.
The additional medical superintendent of the hospital, Dr V. Singhi, said an inquiry would be carried out by the hospital administration.
The paediatrician, Dr Chandrika Chettri, said she was informed only around 3.30am.
“I got a call on my mobile phone from the medical officer on duty at the gynaecology wing and rushed to the hospital,” said Chettri.
She added that the land phone at her residence is dead and so is the phone at the hospital.
“A vehicle was sent from the hospital but I believe it broke down on the way,” said the paediatrician. “Despite that, I reached the hospital soon after the baby died.”
This is not the first time that such allegations have been made against the Thutob Namgyal hospital. Residents here often complain about the unavailability of doctors at the gynaecology wing at night.
According to rules, a gynaecologist and a paediatrician must be stationed at the hospital during the night.
Some of the doctors at the hospital admitted that there were problems that needed to be sorted out.
“The phone lines at the hospital are dead because the phone bills have not been paid. We have to make calls from our personal mobiles. Even the vehicle that is used to pick us up is in a ramshackle condition,” said a senior consultant of the gynaecology ward on condition of anonymity.