It has been a long journey from the merger of Sikkim with the Indian Union in 1975 to this day and although Sikkim is relatively young as compared to the rest of the country, it has made great strides in Health Sector to become one of the best performing states in the country with increased number health facilities from primary to tertiary.  In Sikkim, there are  01 Tertiary Government  Hospital, 04 District Hospitals, 02 Urban Primary Health Centres, 02 CHCs,24 PHCs  and  149 PHSCs Many has touted that Sikkim should be looked up to as an example. The annual health index as per NITI AAYOG has consistently ranked Sikkim among the top performing states as follows:

• Reproductive &Child Health

In the sphere of maternal & child health, institutional delivery in Sikkim is amongst the highest in the country with 94.7% (88.6%- national level). Therefore, the infant mortality rate has been showing declining trend since 2008 and is now at 4/1000 live births (27/1000 – national level).

• Vatsalya &Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Scheme ( CMMAS)

In the trending decline of fertility rate, the state government has come out with an initiative called Vatsalya granting financial assistance to the childless couples of Sikkim to undergo in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. The maximum financial assistance under the scheme is Rs. 3 lakhs for 2 attempts. Both public and employees are availing the scheme extensively (535nos).

• Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Scheme was implemented in 2022. The scheme provides for one time financial assistance to the general public of Sikkim for medical treatment in empaneled hospitals for critical illnesses – cancer, kidney/ liver/ bone marrow/ lung transplant, open heart surgery and victims of road traffic accidents which requires major surgery. (Total beneficiaries thus far is 4869).
• Sikkim State AIDS Control Society (SSACS)

The Sikkim State AIDS Control Society (SSACS) was awarded the best performing state for the year 2024-25, which is based on 47 measurable indicators.

• Tuberculosis

There was a high incidence of TB in Sikkim however, the state has managed to control and is now adjudged first rank for best performing state amongst smaller states in implementing national TB  Elimination Programme since 2020. In recognition of Sikkim’s achievement of the target, the state has been conferred with the Bronze medal in 2022. Till date we are able to maintain status-quo.

• Food and Drugs Administration – Sikkim ranked 3^rd  in the category of small State on five parameters of food safety

• Conclusion

Sikkim’s health indices reflect remarkable success and these are the backbone of improving the overall health status of the state which aligns with the sustainable developmental goals. With the advent of the present government, a great emphasis has been given to the health sector which is an indication of the government’s commitment towards wellbeing of its citizens. To achieve the vision of the government the Health & Family Welfare Department will continue to strengthen health care delivery systems with unwavering dedication to ensure equitable, accessible and affordable quality services at the doorstep.