Governor Om Prakash Mathur on Saturday, August 15, 2026, inaugurated the new Organ Transplantation Centre and Post-Transplant ICU at STNM Hospital in Gangtok, formally opening Sikkim’s first in-state kidney transplant facility and marking a major step in the state’s specialised healthcare capacity. The ceremony, held at the Level 7 OT Complex entrance, included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque in the presence of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and Health Minister G.T. Dhungel.
Speaking to the media after the inauguration, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang called the start of kidney transplantation in Sikkim a historic milestone achieved on the 80th Independence Day. He said two Sikkimese patients were undergoing kidney transplants within the state for the first time and expressed confidence in the procedures’ success, while congratulating the Health and Family Welfare Department and medical staff involved.
The transplant operations were conducted by a specialised team from RN Tagore Hospital, Kolkata, led by Dr. T. A. Jahangir, working closely with Dr. Abhishek Gautam, nephrologist at STNM Hospital, and the hospital’s surgical and support teams. The first procedure involved Neching Lepcha of Tashiding, who received a kidney from his wife, Pem Diki Lepcha. The second transplant was for Shova Chettri of Bhusuk, with donor Dal Bahadur Chettri.
The chief minister highlighted healthcare expansion since 2019, including state-wide dialysis centres and specialised cancer treatment, saying these services have reduced the need for patients to travel outside Sikkim for care. He urged citizens to trust local doctors and noted the presence of qualified super-specialists and modern infrastructure across several medical fields.
Under the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Scheme, eligible BPL families and Sikkim subject/domicile holders will receive comprehensive support for kidney transplantation, covering treatment, surgery, diagnostic tests, post-operative medicines for up to six months, and necessary surgical kits. Family members of the first transplant patients were also presented with post-operative care packages during the programme.
A video screening showcased the journey of setting up the kidney transplantation centre. The inauguration was attended by senior health officials, hospital administrators, specialist doctors, nursing and paramedical staff, engineers and other stakeholders involved in establishing and operationalising the new facilities. The centre and Post-Transplant ICU are expected to significantly expand access to advanced medical services for Sikkim’s residents.
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/sikkim-inaugurates-organ-transplantation-centre-on-independence-day
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