Press Release
PRESS RELEASE
Information & Public Relations Department
Date: May 2, 2025
Subject: Sikkim Accelerates Healthcare Access with Focused Implementation of National Ayush Mission (NAM)
Sikkim has effectively leveraged the National Ayush Mission (NAM) to expand access to traditional healthcare and safeguard its rich biodiversity of medicinal plants. Through the concerted efforts of the State Government and the Ministry of Ayush, the state is steadily building a robust ecosystem for holistic wellness rooted in Ayurveda, Sowa Rigpa, and Yoga.
Under NAM, two Integrated Ayush Hospitals—one 10-bedded facility in Gangtok and a 50-bedded hospital at Kyongsa, Gyalshing, West Sikkim—are operational. These institutions offer a unique combination of traditional and modern healthcare services, significantly enhancing health outcomes, particularly in the geographically challenging terrain of Sikkim.
The Sowa Rigpa Educational Institute, located at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Deorali, Gangtok, plays a critical role in the promotion and preservation of the Tibetan system of medicine, which is native to the Himalayan region. The institute serves as a vibrant learning and research center for students and practitioners alike.
The Ayurvidya program—a school health awareness initiative—has been successfully implemented across all six districts of the state. This program promotes preventive healthcare practices such as Dinacharya and Ritucharya, while also teaching students essential stress management techniques and coping skills through Yoga and allied practices.
In addition, traditional healthcare services are being made available through 13 co-located Ayush units at various Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and across all district hospitals, thereby ensuring deeper grassroots access.
Sikkim’s exemplary implementation of NAM received widespread acclaim at the National Ayush Mission Conclave held on 1–2 May 2025 in Lonavala. The state was lauded for its innovative integration of traditional systems and outstanding fund utilization, making it a model for other states.
With a total of ₹4,819.217 lakh sanctioned under NAM and a remarkable 97.94% utilization rate, Sikkim is setting a benchmark for how small states can achieve large-scale impact by integrating traditional wisdom with modern public health frameworks.
Representing Sikkim at the conclave were:
Shri G.T. Dhungel, Hon’ble Health Minister of Sikkim
Dr. Pema Seden Lepcha, Mission Director, NAM
Dr. Karma Chaden Bhutia, State Program Officer, NAM
Mr. Sanjay Singh, Additional Chief Engineer, Civil Engineering Cell, Health Department, Sikkim
During the Round Table Discussion among Ministers, Shri Dhungel underscored the need for evidence-based research on traditional medicine. He also highlighted the potential of Sikkim’s rich biodiversity to position the state as a hub for medical tourism rooted in Ayurveda—aligning with the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India’s vision of leading citizens from illness to wellness.
National Leaders Acknowledge Sikkim's Efforts:
Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush and Union Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, stated:
> “Sikkim’s remarkable 97.94% fund utilization under NAM reflects focused planning and execution. The State’s commitment to Sowa Rigpa and Ayurvidya programs proves that even small states can lead big in preserving and promoting traditional health wisdom.”
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, added:
> “Sikkim has harmonized healthcare, education, and biodiversity conservation through NAM, strengthening the local economy and cultural wellness traditions.”
This national recognition further solidifies Sikkim’s leadership in the effective integration of traditional health systems with contemporary care, bringing long-term benefits to its citizens and setting an inspiring example for the country.
Issued by:
Health & Family Welfare Department
Government of Sikkim
Subject: Sikkim Accelerates Healthcare Access with Focused Implementation of National Ayush Mission (NAM)
Sikkim has effectively leveraged the National Ayush Mission (NAM) to expand access to traditional healthcare and safeguard its rich biodiversity of medicinal plants. Through the concerted efforts of the State Government and the Ministry of Ayush, the state is steadily building a robust ecosystem for holistic wellness rooted in Ayurveda, Sowa Rigpa, and Yoga.
Under NAM, two Integrated Ayush Hospitals—one 10-bedded facility in Gangtok and a 50-bedded hospital at Kyongsa, Gyalshing, West Sikkim—are operational. These institutions offer a unique combination of traditional and modern healthcare services, significantly enhancing health outcomes, particularly in the geographically challenging terrain of Sikkim.
The Sowa Rigpa Educational Institute, located at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Deorali, Gangtok, plays a critical role in the promotion and preservation of the Tibetan system of medicine, which is native to the Himalayan region. The institute serves as a vibrant learning and research center for students and practitioners alike.
The Ayurvidya program—a school health awareness initiative—has been successfully implemented across all six districts of the state. This program promotes preventive healthcare practices such as Dinacharya and Ritucharya, while also teaching students essential stress management techniques and coping skills through Yoga and allied practices.
In addition, traditional healthcare services are being made available through 13 co-located Ayush units at various Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and across all district hospitals, thereby ensuring deeper grassroots access.
Sikkim’s exemplary implementation of NAM received widespread acclaim at the National Ayush Mission Conclave held on 1–2 May 2025 in Lonavala. The state was lauded for its innovative integration of traditional systems and outstanding fund utilization, making it a model for other states.
With a total of ₹4,819.217 lakh sanctioned under NAM and a remarkable 97.94% utilization rate, Sikkim is setting a benchmark for how small states can achieve large-scale impact by integrating traditional wisdom with modern public health frameworks.
Representing Sikkim at the conclave were:
Shri G.T. Dhungel, Hon’ble Health Minister of Sikkim
Dr. Pema Seden Lepcha, Mission Director, NAM
Dr. Karma Chaden Bhutia, State Program Officer, NAM
Mr. Sanjay Singh, Additional Chief Engineer, Civil Engineering Cell, Health Department, Sikkim
During the Round Table Discussion among Ministers, Shri Dhungel underscored the need for evidence-based research on traditional medicine. He also highlighted the potential of Sikkim’s rich biodiversity to position the state as a hub for medical tourism rooted in Ayurveda—aligning with the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India’s vision of leading citizens from illness to wellness.
National Leaders Acknowledge Sikkim's Efforts:
Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush and Union Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, stated:
> “Sikkim’s remarkable 97.94% fund utilization under NAM reflects focused planning and execution. The State’s commitment to Sowa Rigpa and Ayurvidya programs proves that even small states can lead big in preserving and promoting traditional health wisdom.”
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, added:
> “Sikkim has harmonized healthcare, education, and biodiversity conservation through NAM, strengthening the local economy and cultural wellness traditions.”
This national recognition further solidifies Sikkim’s leadership in the effective integration of traditional health systems with contemporary care, bringing long-term benefits to its citizens and setting an inspiring example for the country.
Issued by:
Health & Family Welfare Department
Government of Sikkim