Indian Medical Association - Sikkim State Branch.

07/07/2026

The Indian Medical Association, Sikkim Chapter, observed National Doctors’ Day on 1st July 2026 with a plantation drive at the Helen Lepcha Sikkim Government Medical College. We were deeply honoured to have His Excellency,The Governor Shri Om Prakash Mathur as our Chief Guest, Mrs. Kala Rai, Honorable MLA as the Guest of Honour, along with several other distinguished dignitaries who joined us for the occasion.

As doctors, we strive to heal those who come to us in times of illness. But our responsibility extends beyond the walls of our hospitals and clinics- to care for the world that sustains us all. Planting a tree was our quiet reminder that each of us has a duty to leave behind a world a little better than the one we inherited. A small gesture, perhaps, but one rooted in hope for generations yet to come.

The day concluded with a warm gathering at the Hotel Rendezvous where we had the privilege of felicitating our senior doctors. Their lives of service, compassion and quiet sacrifice have shaped the values we cherish today. We stand on the foundation they built and we can only hope to carry that legacy forward with humility, guided by their blessings and inspired by their example.

And long after the saplings have taken root and the applause has faded, what will remain are the values that have always defined our profession..the quiet privilege of serving, the wisdom handed down by those who came before us and the enduring belief that a life spent in the service of others is a life well lived.

01/07/2026

15/05/2026

The Indian Medical Association, Sikkim State Branch expresses deep concern over the reported irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination process, which have caused distress and uncertainty among lakhs of medical aspirants and their families across the country.

NEET is one of the most important gateways to medical education in India and it is essential that the examination process remains transparent, secure and fair for every deserving student. Any compromise in the integrity of such examinations affects the confidence of students and the credibility of the system.

IMA Sikkim urges the concerned authorities to ensure a thorough, impartial and time-bound investigation into the matter and to take all necessary corrective measures to strengthen examination security and restore public trust.

We also appeal for adequate support and clear communication for students during this difficult period, keeping their mental well-being and future aspirations in mind.

IMA Sikkim stands in solidarity with all sincere aspirants and hopes for a fair and transparent resolution in the best interest of students and the nation’s healthcare future.

02/05/2026

A proud moment for IMA Sikkim.The President Dr. Choden Norbu was felicitated for her outstanding contribution in facilitating the training of healthcare workers across Sikkim in HPV vaccination.

27/03/2026

Dr Choden Norbu, President, IMA Sikkim and Dr Anmol Pradhan, Honorary Secretary, IMA Sikkim had the privilege of participating in the State Presidents & Secretaries Meet of the various state chapters of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) held in Mumbai on 21st–22nd March 2026.

The following core issues were discussed in detail:
1. IMA Headquarters Building Development
2. Membership Campaign Strategy
3. Strengthening of MSN (Medical Students Network) & JDN (Junior Doctors Network)
4. Finance & GST-related concerns
5. Aao Gaon Chalen Initiative (rural outreach program)
6. Consumer Protection Act (CPA) implications for doctors
7. Mixopathy (integration concerns across systems of medicine)
8. Generic Medicines – policy and practice implications

The meeting focused on key issues including strengthening membership, empowering MSN & JDN, addressing CPA and mixopathy concerns, promoting rural outreach and enhancing the role of generic medicines in practice.

The interaction provided valuable opportunities for academic collaboration, skill development initiatives, and strengthening organizational growth. Several new avenues have opened up for advancing medical education and professional engagement in Sikkim.

We look forward to implementing these learnings and initiatives for the betterment of our medical fraternity and the communities we serve in our state of Sikkim.

24/03/2026

World Tuberculosis Day
World Tuberculosis Day 2026 was observed at the Central Referral Hospital (CRH), Gangtok, on 24th of March 2026, with a series of awareness and academic activities aimed at reinforcing the collective commitment to eliminate tuberculosis.
Held under the global theme “Yes! We can end TB. Led by countries, powered by people,” the programme was jointly organized by the Department of Respiratory Medicine, CRH, Sikkim Manipal College of Nursing (SMCON) and the Indian Medical Association - Medical Students Network (IMA MSN), Sikkim, with support from Indian Medical Association, Sikkim State Branch and the State TB Cell.
The event began with a traditional welcome ceremony, followed by the inaugural address by Dr. Mohonish N Chettri, Deputy Medical Superintendent, CRH, who emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and sustained institutional efforts in achieving a TB-free society.
Expert talks formed the core of the programme. Dr. Prakash Kumar Koirala, Head of the Department of Respiratory Medicine, spoke on recent advances in TB treatment and the critical need for adherence to therapy. Prof. W. Ashalata Devi highlighted the indispensable role of nursing care and patient education, while Dr. Anmol Pradhan, Honorary Secretary of Indian Medical Association, Sikkim, stressed the need for coordinated action among healthcare professionals. Dr. Nirmal Gurung, Deputy State TB Officer, provided insights into the state’s progress and future roadmap under the national TB elimination programme.
Tuberculosis remains both preventable and curable, yet continues to pose a significant public health challenge. Early diagnosis through timely screening of symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, weight loss and night sweats is critical in breaking the chain of transmission. Preventive strategies including vaccination, good ventilation, cough hygiene and completion of prescribed treatment play a vital role in control efforts. Equally important is the role of the public in reducing stigma, encouraging affected individuals to seek care early and supporting treatment adherence within the community. The theme of this year’s observance underscores that while governments and health systems lead the fight, meaningful progress is only possible when communities are actively engaged and empowered.
Adding a vibrant dimension to the programme, students actively participated through a street play (nukkad natak), a quiz competition for the audience and a poster presentation. The street play, performed by B.Sc. Nursing students, effectively addressed social stigma and raised awareness about tuberculosis in an engaging manner.
In the poster competition, Aditi Agarwal secured the first position, followed by Chyubongmit Lepcha and Akansha Gupta in second and third places respectively, all of MBBS third year of SMIMS.
The programme concluded with the felicitation of judges and prize winners in the presence of distinguished guests, including Dr. Bidita Khandelwal, Prof. Rajita Devi and Mrs. Pema Lhamu Bhutia.
The observance concluded with a vote of thanks and refreshments, leaving behind a strong message that the fight against tuberculosis requires sustained collaboration between healthcare providers, students and the community at large.

11/03/2026

05/02/2026

In Memoriam :Dr Tshering Doma Phempu.

It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the sudden and untimely passing of Dr. Tshering Doma, a brilliant MCh Urology resident in Mangalore and a proud member of the Indian Medical Association (IMA).

Dr. Tshering was a true testament to professional dedication. She tragically passed away while doing what she loved most—contributing to medical science and presenting her research. Her commitment to the medical fraternity was immense, and she will forever be remembered as a tireless, hardworking healer.

"A life dedicated to the service of others is never truly lost; it lives on in the lives she touched and the knowledge she shared."

Prior to pursuing her MCh in Urology, Dr. Tshering served with distinction as the Head of the GI Oncosurgery Department at STNM Hospital in Gangtok. There, she stood at the front lines of the battle against cancer, her skilled hands bringing healing to countless patients and her sincerity providing hope to families in their darkest hours.

The medical world has lost a star far too soon. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with her family, her colleagues, and the many patients whose lives were extended through her brilliant work.

Rest in Power, Dr. Tshering. Your surgical excellence and indomitable spirit will never be forgotten.

29/01/2026

On 25th January 2026, the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Sikkim State Branch, in collaboration with the Quality Council of India (QCI), Government of Sikkim, and the Clinical Establishment, organized a successful one-day sensitization program on NABH & NABL accreditation for laboratories and hospitals at the 4th Floor Conference Hall, STNM Hospital.

The program witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 104 participants attending and registrations closing shortly after opening. The event was graced by the Hon’ble Health Secretary, Mr. Tshewang Gyachho, Director Dr. D.B. Bista, Additional Medical Superintendent Dr. Suresh Madan Rasaily and Dr. Chintamani Sharma, , Additional Director Clinical establishment Dr Manoj Mishra, President of the Chemist Association of Sikkim Mr. Ramesh Periwal, along with other esteemed dignitaries.

Expert faculty from Delhi, Banaras and Siliguri shared valuable insights across two technical sessions. Special appreciation to the MSN (Medical Student Network) volunteers for their enthusiastic support and seamless coordination, which contributed greatly to the smooth conduct of the program.

Kudos to Sikkim’s healthcare community for actively embracing quality and patient-centered care!