Sikkim Governor highlights renewable energy and healthcare achievements on Republic Day

On the occasion of Republic Day, the Governor of Sikkim delivered an inspiring message highlighting the state's remarkable strides in renewable energy development, infrastructure improvement, and healthcare advancements.

The Governor began by reaffirming the state's dedication to clean and renewable energy, emphasizing the active integration of solar and wind power into Sikkim’s energy mix. "Sikkim has already begun developing a comprehensive renewable energy roadmap, including wind farms and solar plants, to ensure long-term energy sustainability," the Governor said.

In addition to renewable energy, improving energy distribution infrastructure remains a top priority for the state government. The Governor mentioned key reforms that have been implemented, such as upgrading aging power lines and reinforcing the resilience of the energy grid against natural disasters. These efforts were put to the test in October 2023 when devastating floods caused extensive damage to the state’s power infrastructure, including the destruction of the Teesta III hydroelectric project and its adjoining dam, which led to a significant loss of power capacity.

"Sikkim went from being a power-surplus state to facing considerable challenges in meeting its energy needs. However, we have made rapid progress in restoring power services," the Governor stated. The state’s partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been instrumental in restoring and modernizing the power distribution system. The ADB approved a loan of $148.5 million to support the installation of 770 kilometers of climate-resilient underground conductors, replacing vulnerable open-air lines and enhancing the network’s durability. The project will also involve upgrading 580 kilometers of low-capacity conductors, improving energy efficiency and safety, and installing a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system for real-time monitoring and management of the distribution network.

One of the most impactful components of this initiative is the installation of 15,000 units of public street lighting in remote areas, which will improve safety and enable greater economic activity after dark, particularly in rural communities.

Turning to healthcare, the Governor outlined Sikkim’s transformation into one of India’s most progressive states in the healthcare sector. Over the years, the state has made substantial improvements in infrastructure, service delivery, and capacity building, leading to significant changes in various health indicators.

"Sikkim has achieved impressive milestones in birth and death registration, neonatal and infant mortality rates, and maternal health," the Governor said. With a birth registration rate of 96.5% for children under five, Sikkim surpasses the national average of 89.1%. The neonatal mortality rate in the state stands at just 5 per 1,000 live births, far lower than the national average of 24.9 per 1,000. Similarly, the infant mortality rate is 5 per 1,000 live births, compared to the national figure of 28 per 1,000.

In maternal health, the Governor highlighted that 70% of mothers in Sikkim received antenatal care during the first trimester, exceeding the national average of 63.7%. Institutional births in the state are at 94.7%, surpassing the national rate of 88.6%. Additionally, 96.5% of births are attended by skilled health personnel, compared to the national figure of 89.4%.

Sikkim has also made strides in menstrual health, with 86.3% of women aged 15-24 years using hygienic methods for menstruation, higher than the national average of 77.3%. The state has achieved 80.6% vaccination coverage for children aged 12-23 months, surpassing the national rate of 76.4%.

At the New STNM Hospital, Sikkim has introduced groundbreaking treatments in various medical fields. The Governor praised advancements in medical oncology, cardiology, neurosurgery, and urology, which have reduced the need for out-of-state treatments. The state’s focus on improving healthcare access is reflected in its successful implementation of the Vatsalya Scheme, launched in 2022, which provides financial assistance to couples addressing declining fertility rates.

Furthermore, Sikkim has made significant strides in tackling Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), a growing public health concern. Dialysis centers have been established across the state, and 45 dialysis machines are now operational, serving over 300 patients daily. The Governor also noted the introduction of Peritoneal Dialysis, which has helped 41 patients in need of specialized care.

The Governor reaffirmed the government's commitment to the development of Sikkim. "We are steadily progressing towards our goals of providing essential services such as electricity (bijili), roads (sadak), and water (pani), which are fundamental to achieving our broader developmental objectives," the Governor said.