GANGTOK: The White Coat Ceremony for the first batch of MBBS students of Helen Lepcha State Government Medical College (HLSGMC) was held at Manan Kendra on September 18 in the presence of Governor Mr Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Mr Om Prakash Mathur expressed his pride and happiness at the establishment of the Helen Lepcha State Government Medical College and described the occasion as an important milestone for Sikkim and its students. He congratulated the first batch of students and urged them to work hard, remain dedicated to their studies and make the fullest use of the opportunity available to them.
Congratulating the Chief Minister for the initiative and vision behind the establishment of the medical college, the Governor also appreciated the Minister for Health and Family Welfare and the officers, doctors, faculty members, engineers, officials and all others whose collective efforts contributed to bringing the institution to fruition.
He acknowledged that the establishment of a medical college represents a significant step not only in expanding opportunities for medical education but also in strengthening the state’s healthcare system.
The Governor encouraged the students to approach their medical education with discipline, compassion and a strong sense of responsibility, reminding them that the profession they have chosen carries an important responsibility towards society. He urged them to make the most of their years at the institution, acquire knowledge and skills with sincerity, and aspire to serve the people with dedication.
He also congratulated the parents and guardians of the students, recognising their support and encouragement in helping the young aspirants reach this stage. He expressed confidence that the institution would provide a strong foundation for the students and, in the years ahead, contribute to producing capable medical professionals who would serve Sikkim and the country.
The Governor extended his best wishes to the students, faculty and the entire HLSGMC team for the successful academic journey ahead and expressed hope that the institution would continue to grow as a centre of learning, healthcare and service to the people.
In his address, Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang also expressed his happiness at witnessing the beginning of a new chapter in medical education in Sikkim. He conveyed his gratitude to Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi for virtually inaugurating the college earlier this year and, on behalf of the people of Sikkim, extended his belated birthday greetings to the Prime Minister. He also acknowledged the contribution of all those whose efforts had made the establishment of the state’s first government medical college a reality.
Highlighting the opportunities created through the new institution, the Chief Minister congratulated the 80 students who have secured admission to the MBBS programme at the college, along with their parents and guardians. He said that these students now have the opportunity to pursue their dream of becoming doctors without having to leave Sikkim, and can undertake their medical education on their own home ground.
Giving a breakdown of the 100 MBBS seats at HLSGMC approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC), he stated that there are 50 free seats, 30 seats have been placed under the full-payment category at an annual fee of Rs 5 lakh, 15 seats are under the Central Pool, and five seats are under the management quota. He informed that Sikkim is the first state to receive approval for all 100 MBBS seats in a single allocation.
The Chief Minister further highlighted that 30 additional MBBS seats have been secured for Sikkim students at Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences (SMIMS), of which 20 are concessional seats and 10 are full-payment seats.
With 80 students admitted to HLSGMC and 30 students securing seats at SMIMS this year, a total of 110 students have obtained MBBS seats in the state. He congratulated all the students and their families on the achievement.
He also outlined the efforts undertaken by the state government to secure MBBS seats for state students at SMIMS, explaining the process through which the additional seats were procured. In addition, he informed that 19 students from economically disadvantaged families have been supported by the state government to pursue MBBS studies outside Sikkim, with the government extending full financial support for their education.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the assistance being extended to students studying at HLSGMC who require support for hostel accommodation. Under the Chief Minister’s Education Assistance Scheme, financial assistance is being provided to students who are unable to meet hostel expenses on their own, ensuring that financial constraints do not become a barrier to their medical education.
Referring to the performance of students in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), the Chief Minister highlighted that a significant number of successful candidates are emerging from government schools. He mentioned several senior secondary schools from across the state and commended their teachers and faculty for their contribution to the academic progress of their students.
He urged students not to discontinue their studies due to financial or other difficulties, assuring them that the state government would continue to stand behind them and extend support wherever required.
The Chief Minister further outlined the financial investment behind the establishment of HLSGMC, stating that the total cost of the college is Rs 762.24 crore. Of this, Rs 225 crore has been supported by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, Rs 167.90 crore through PM-DevINE, and Rs 184.48 crore through the State Plan, while the remaining Rs 184.86 crore has been earmarked for upcoming upgradation and related works.
Emphasising fairness in the admission process, he stated that seats have been allotted strictly on the basis of eligibility and merit, with no disparity among students. He added that the selection process has been kept transparent and that the roster system has been followed to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of seats.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister encouraged the students to approach their medical education with dedication and commitment and, as future medical professionals, remain sensitive to the needs of the people.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr GT Dhungel, in his address, congratulated the first batch of MBBS students and described the White Coat Ceremony as a historic occasion for Sikkim. He acknowledged the guidance of the Governor and the vision, determination and continued support of the Chief Minister in making the medical college a reality.
Urging the students to remain focused and committed through the demanding years of medical education, the Minister said the journey would require hard work, perseverance and sacrifice. He encouraged them to remember the purpose behind choosing medicine and to pursue the profession with passion rather than merely viewing it as a career.
Emphasising compassion as an essential part of medicine, the Minister reminded the students that a patient should never be treated merely as a case or a number, but as a person with a family and a story. He urged them to listen carefully to their patients and approach their responsibilities with empathy and dedication. He also encouraged them to remain curious and committed to learning and to enjoy the journey of becoming doctors.
Chief Secretary Mr R Telang described the occasion as a historic milestone and said that he felt privileged to witness the beginning of HLSGMC’s journey.
Extending gratitude for the guidance of the Governor and the vision and support of the Chief Minister, he said that while infrastructure can be created, an institution is ultimately built by the people who work and learn within it.
Addressing the first batch, the Chief Secretary highlighted their unique responsibility as the founding cohort in establishing the culture, standards and practices that would shape the institution in the years ahead. He urged them to approach their education with humility and curiosity, find joy in their profession, maintain balance in life and remain guided by the larger purpose of medicine which is service to humanity.
Dean, HLSGMC, Dr Bikram Kharga, in his presentation on the establishment of the government medical college, said that the long-cherished vision of establishing a government medical college in the state had become a reality. He expressed gratitude to the state leadership, officials, faculty and all those who contributed to bringing the institution to this stage.
Welcoming the first batch of students, he urged them to approach their medical education with discipline, curiosity, sincerity and enthusiasm, while maintaining a balance between academic excellence and human values. He added that as the first batch, the students would have a unique role in shaping the culture and traditions of the institution, while highlighting HLSGMC’s guiding motto, “Learning, Healing and Serving.”
The White Coat Ceremony marked the formal induction of the first batch of 80 MBBS students into the medical college. The white coat, symbolising professionalism, responsibility, compassion and ethical conduct, was donned by the students as they took their first step towards a career in medicine.
This was followed by the administration of the oath to the students by the Dean of HLSGMC, formally marking their entry into their academic journey.
The programme also featured the launch of the logo and website of HLSGMC by the Governor and the Chief Minister.
On the occasion, engineers from the Buildings and Housing Department, Government of Sikkim along with the contractor involved in the successful completion of Jan Sewa Bhawan, Lumsey were also felicitated.
Further, an Asia Book of Records certificate and medallion were unveiled in recognition of the Department of Cardiology, STNM Hospital, for performing maximum consecutive Cardiac Electrophysiology Study and Radiofrequency Ablation procedures.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Principal Director, Medical Education, Dr Tshering Pema Bhutia.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Mr Tshewang Gyachho Bhutia.
- IPR Report
