Warm reception held for newly appointed Chairman and OSD at Sikkim Health Department

The Health & Family Welfare Department of the Government of Sikkim hosted a welcome and felicitation programme to honour the newly appointed Chairman, Shri Phurba Sherpa, and Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Smt Ganga Parsai. The event took place at the department’s premises in Gangtok and witnessed the enthusiastic participation of officials, staff, and key dignitaries.

The function was graced by the MLA and Advisor to the Health Department, Thenlay Tshering Bhutia along with the Minister for Health & Family Welfare Department, GT Dhungal. The department’s Secretary, Chewang Gyatso Bhutia, played a central role in leading the event, which was supported wholeheartedly by the officers and staff across all sections of the department.

As a mark of respect and Sikkimese tradition, the newly inducted officials were felicitated with Khadas and Bokees—ceremonial scarves symbolising honour and goodwill. The dignitaries took turns to offer these tokens of appreciation, including the Minister, MLA/Advisor, Secretary, senior officers, and various department staff. The gesture reflected not just a formal welcome but also a sincere acknowledgment of the trust and responsibility placed upon the new appointees.

Addressing the gathering, Phurba Sherpa expressed his deep sense of gratitude to the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang for reposing faith in him and giving him the opportunity to serve the state in the healthcare sector. “I feel truly honoured to be entrusted with this responsibility. I will dedicate my service to the people of Sikkim, especially the underprivileged who depend on public healthcare,” he said.

Ganga Parsai, who has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty, also shared her sentiments with the audience. In an emotionally resonant speech, she extended heartfelt thanks to the Chief Minister, the Honourable Health Minister, the departmental Advisor, and all officials who welcomed her with open arms. “The support and warmth shown to me today reaffirm my commitment to work sincerely and efficiently for the people,” she said.

The Health Minister, GT Dhungal, in his speech, praised the newly appointed officials for their dedication and humility. “Both Shri Phurba Sherpa and Smt Ganga Parsai have shown consistent commitment to the welfare of the people. Their appointments come at a time when our health infrastructure is undergoing rapid improvement and expansion. We are confident that their efforts will further strengthen our mission of equitable and accessible healthcare,” he said.

MLA and Advisor Thenlay Tshering Bhutia echoed similar sentiments, adding that teamwork and shared responsibility are the backbone of public service. “This department functions best when we work as one family. Today’s ceremony is not just a welcome, but a reminder of the values we hold dear—service, respect, and dedication to the people of Sikkim,” he said.