New Delhi, September 19: Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, addressing the White Coat Ceremony for the first batch of MBBS students of Helen Lepcha State Government Medical College (HLSGMC) at Manan Kendra yesterday, highlighted the expansion of medical education opportunities for students in the state and the government’s continued efforts to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent deserving students from pursuing their aspirations.
The Chief Minister 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 collective efforts made the establishment of Sikkim’s first government medical college a reality.
Congratulating the 80 students admitted to the MBBS programme at HLSGMC, along with their parents and guardians, the Chief Minister said that the new institution has provided students with an opportunity to pursue their dream of becoming doctors without having to leave Sikkim.
Giving a breakdown of the 100 MBBS seats approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC), he stated that 50 are free seats, 30 are under the full-payment category at an annual fee of Rs 5 lakh, 15 are under the Central Pool, and five 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 informed that 30 additional MBBS seats have been secured for Sikkim students at Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences (SMIMS), comprising 20 concessional seats and 10 full-payment seats.
With 80 students admitted to HLSGMC and 30 students securing seats at SMIMS this year, he stated that a total of 110 students have obtained MBBS seats within the state.
He also outlined the efforts undertaken by the State Government to secure additional MBBS seats for Sikkim students at SMIMS and informed that 19 students from economically disadvantaged families have been supported to pursue MBBS studies outside Sikkim, with the government extending full financial assistance for their education.
The Chief Minister further highlighted the assistance being provided to students of HLSGMC who require support for hostel accommodation. Under the Chief Minister’s Education Assistance Scheme, financial assistance is being extended to students unable to meet hostel expenses on their own, with the objective of 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 the growing number of successful candidates emerging from government schools. He mentioned several senior secondary schools across the state and commended their teachers and faculty for their contribution to the academic progress of students.
Urging students not to discontinue their studies due to financial or other difficulties, the Chief Minister assured them that the State Government would continue to stand behind them and provide support wherever required.
He also 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, the Chief Minister 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 the roster system 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.
The White Coat Ceremony marked the formal induction of the first batch of 80 MBBS students into HLSGMC. 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. The students subsequently took the oath administered by Dean, HLSGMC, Dr Bikram Kharga.
The programme also featured the launch of the HLSGMC logo and website 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 felicitated.
An Asia Book of Records certificate and medallion were also unveiled in recognition of the Department of Cardiology, STNM Hospital, for performing the maximum consecutive Cardiac Electrophysiology Study and Radiofrequency Ablation procedures.
Marking another significant milestone in the establishment of HLSGMC, earlier on the day, Governor Mr Om Prakash Mathur, in the presence of Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang and Health and Family Welfare and Culture Minister Mr G.T. Dhungel, unveiled the bust of Helen Lepcha and the logo of Helen Lepcha Sikkim Government Medical College at Sokeythang. The college was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi on April 28, 2026, and is the first government medical college in Sikkim. The institution has been named after freedom fighter Helen Lepcha (1902–1980), who participated in the Non-Cooperation and Quit India Movements and was honoured with the Tamra Patra by the Government of India in 1972. The HLSGMC logo reflects medical science, education and service to humanity, rooted in Sikkim’s Himalayan heritage, and carries the motto, “Learning to Heal, Serving Humanity.”