Press Release
Press Release from AYUSH Department
Information & Public Relations Department
Department of AYUSH, Government of Sikkim Organises State-Level CME on “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow”
The Department of AYUSH, Government of Sikkim, organised a State-level Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme on the occasion of the 11th Ayurveda Day, on September 23, based on the theme “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow.”
The CME was attended by AYUSH doctors from different parts of Sikkim under the Department of AYUSH. Also present were the Special Secretary, Director, Additional Director and officials and staff of the Department, along with resource persons from the Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Tadong.
The programme commenced with registration of participants, followed by offering of Khadas to the Chief Guest, Special Guest and resource persons. The inaugural session began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by recitation of the Dhanwantari Mantra by Ayurveda doctors.
The Secretary, Department of AYUSH, Smt. Suchitra Rasaily, SCS, in her welcome address, extended greetings on the occasion of the 11th Ayurveda Day to all and welcomed the Chief Guest ,Hon’ble Advisor, Department of AYUSH, Shri A. K. Ghatani, Hon’ble Chairman, Shri Manoj Pradhan, senior officials of the Department and resource persons.
She expressed her sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim for his continued support, assistance and encouragement towards strengthening AYUSH in the State. She also placed on record her appreciation for the Hon’ble Minister, Department of AYUSH, Shri G. T. Dhungel, for his consistent guidance, support and direction in taking forward the initiatives of the newly established Department.
The Secretary highlighted that although the Department of AYUSH was established as a separate Department only a little over a year ago, several important institutional initiatives have already been taken forward. She particularly highlighted the creation of the AYUSH Council for Indian System of Medicine, the ongoing process for establishment of a dedicated AYUSH cadre, and the recent promotions of AYUSH doctors, which have provided an important impetus to professional growth and institutional strengthening of AYUSH in Sikkim.
She emphasised that these developments reflect the Government’s commitment towards creating a stronger institutional framework for AYUSH and providing better professional opportunities and a more structured system for AYUSH practitioners in the State.
She further highlighted the importance of Ayurveda in preventive and promotive healthcare, healthy living and overall well-being, particularly in the context of changing lifestyles and the increasing burden of lifestyle-related health concerns. She stated that the Department is working towards strengthening AYUSH service delivery, infrastructure, human resources, medicines, research, education and wellness initiatives to ensure accessible, safe and quality AYUSH healthcare.
The Secretary also emphasised the importance of CME as a platform for continuous professional development, knowledge-sharing and strengthening coordination among AYUSH doctors working in different parts of the State.
Further, Additional Director-cum-State Programme Officer, National AYUSH Mission, presented an overview of the CME and its objectives. She highlighted that CME provides a common platform for AYUSH practitioners to continuously update their professional knowledge, exchange field experiences and strengthen coordination across different AYUSH systems and facilities.
The CME also focused on promoting evidence-based and ethical AYUSH practice, rational use of AYUSH medicines, pharmacovigilance, regulatory compliance and responsible communication with patients and the public. Such programmes are particularly relevant for the newly established Department as it moves towards developing uniform professional standards and strengthening the quality, credibility and safety of AYUSH services across the State.
In his address, the Hon’ble Advisor, Department of AYUSH, Shri A. K. Ghatani, congratulated the Department on the occasion of the 11th Ayurveda Day and highlighted that a healthier tomorrow begins with healthier choices and practices today.
The Hon’ble Advisor also expressed his gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim for his continued support and vision towards strengthening AYUSH in the State. He also acknowledged the guidance and support extended by the Hon’ble Minister, Department of AYUSH, Shri G. T. Dhungel, in strengthening the Department and advancing various AYUSH initiatives.
He emphasised the importance of preventive healthcare, healthy diet, balanced daily routine, physical activity and overall well-being, and stated that the principles of Ayurveda should be promoted not only in clinical settings but also in homes, schools, workplaces and communities.
The Hon’ble Advisor stressed the need to preserve traditional knowledge while strengthening it through scientific research, evidence, quality and safety. He also highlighted Sikkim’s rich Himalayan biodiversity and medicinal plant resources and called for greater emphasis on their documentation, conservation, cultivation, research and sustainable utilisation.
He further highlighted the various initiatives being undertaken to strengthen the AYUSH ecosystem in Sikkim, including development of wellness infrastructure, strengthening of Sowa Rigpa education and healthcare facilities and the proposed Ayurveda Hospital and College. He encouraged AYUSH practitioners, particularly young professionals, to pursue research, enhance their knowledge and contribute towards the development of AYUSH in the State.
The inaugural session concluded with the Vote of Thanks by the Special Secretary, Department of AYUSH.
This was followed by the Quarterly Review of the National AYUSH Mission for FY 2026–27, chaired by the Secretary, Department of AYUSH, during which progress and implementation of various NAM activities were discussed.
Before commencement of the technical sessions, the Department felicitated and congratulated AYUSH personnel for their notable achievements.
• Dr. Milan Pradhan was felicitated for bringing laurels to the State by winning two silver medals in the 72 Kg Senior Women category at the World Strength lifting & IBP Championship in Kyrgyzstan, earning recognition for Sikkim on the international stage.
• All five Homeopathic doctors who recently received promotions were congratulated for their professional advancement.
• The Doctors of Yoga & Naturopathy were congratulated for reaching the final of a Futsal competition played during Physiotherapy day observation.
• Dr. Adarsh Sharma was felicitated for providing healthcare support to 10 batches of pilgrims undertaking the Mansarovar Yatra at high altitude.
The Department appreciated these achievements as a matter of pride for the AYUSH fraternity and the State of Sikkim.
Technical Sessions
The technical sessions commenced with Dr. Debajyoti Das, Research Officer (Ayurveda), Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Tadong, who delivered a session on “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow.” The session highlighted the continuing relevance of Ayurvedic principles in preventive healthcare, healthy lifestyle and promotion of well-being.
The third technical session was delivered by Dr. A. J. V. Sai Prasad, Assistant Director-in-Charge, RARI, Tadong, on “Pharmacovigilance on AYUSH Drugs.” The session highlighted the importance of monitoring, documenting and reporting adverse events associated with AYUSH medicines in order to strengthen patient safety and evidence-based practice.
This was followed by Dr. Nidhi Rai, Junior Consultant, RARI, Tadong, who delivered a technical session on “Reporting of Misleading Advertisements (MLA) and Drugs and Cosmetics Act.” The session focused on regulatory provisions, responsible communication and the need to prevent misleading claims relating to AYUSH medicines and therapies.
The CME provided a valuable platform for professional learning, exchange of experiences and strengthening collaboration between AYUSH doctors, Department officials and research institutions. For the newly established Department of AYUSH, such continuing education programmes are an important mechanism for building institutional capacity, developing a culture of continuous learning and ensuring that the expanding AYUSH healthcare system in Sikkim remains safe, ethical, evidence-informed and patient-centred.
The programme reaffirmed the Department of AYUSH’s commitment to strengthening the quality, credibility, safety and professional capacity of AYUSH systems and advancing the vision of “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow.
The Department of AYUSH, Government of Sikkim, organised a State-level Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme on the occasion of the 11th Ayurveda Day, on September 23, based on the theme “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow.”
The CME was attended by AYUSH doctors from different parts of Sikkim under the Department of AYUSH. Also present were the Special Secretary, Director, Additional Director and officials and staff of the Department, along with resource persons from the Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Tadong.
The programme commenced with registration of participants, followed by offering of Khadas to the Chief Guest, Special Guest and resource persons. The inaugural session began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by recitation of the Dhanwantari Mantra by Ayurveda doctors.
The Secretary, Department of AYUSH, Smt. Suchitra Rasaily, SCS, in her welcome address, extended greetings on the occasion of the 11th Ayurveda Day to all and welcomed the Chief Guest ,Hon’ble Advisor, Department of AYUSH, Shri A. K. Ghatani, Hon’ble Chairman, Shri Manoj Pradhan, senior officials of the Department and resource persons.
She expressed her sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim for his continued support, assistance and encouragement towards strengthening AYUSH in the State. She also placed on record her appreciation for the Hon’ble Minister, Department of AYUSH, Shri G. T. Dhungel, for his consistent guidance, support and direction in taking forward the initiatives of the newly established Department.
The Secretary highlighted that although the Department of AYUSH was established as a separate Department only a little over a year ago, several important institutional initiatives have already been taken forward. She particularly highlighted the creation of the AYUSH Council for Indian System of Medicine, the ongoing process for establishment of a dedicated AYUSH cadre, and the recent promotions of AYUSH doctors, which have provided an important impetus to professional growth and institutional strengthening of AYUSH in Sikkim.
She emphasised that these developments reflect the Government’s commitment towards creating a stronger institutional framework for AYUSH and providing better professional opportunities and a more structured system for AYUSH practitioners in the State.
She further highlighted the importance of Ayurveda in preventive and promotive healthcare, healthy living and overall well-being, particularly in the context of changing lifestyles and the increasing burden of lifestyle-related health concerns. She stated that the Department is working towards strengthening AYUSH service delivery, infrastructure, human resources, medicines, research, education and wellness initiatives to ensure accessible, safe and quality AYUSH healthcare.
The Secretary also emphasised the importance of CME as a platform for continuous professional development, knowledge-sharing and strengthening coordination among AYUSH doctors working in different parts of the State.
Further, Additional Director-cum-State Programme Officer, National AYUSH Mission, presented an overview of the CME and its objectives. She highlighted that CME provides a common platform for AYUSH practitioners to continuously update their professional knowledge, exchange field experiences and strengthen coordination across different AYUSH systems and facilities.
The CME also focused on promoting evidence-based and ethical AYUSH practice, rational use of AYUSH medicines, pharmacovigilance, regulatory compliance and responsible communication with patients and the public. Such programmes are particularly relevant for the newly established Department as it moves towards developing uniform professional standards and strengthening the quality, credibility and safety of AYUSH services across the State.
In his address, the Hon’ble Advisor, Department of AYUSH, Shri A. K. Ghatani, congratulated the Department on the occasion of the 11th Ayurveda Day and highlighted that a healthier tomorrow begins with healthier choices and practices today.
The Hon’ble Advisor also expressed his gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim for his continued support and vision towards strengthening AYUSH in the State. He also acknowledged the guidance and support extended by the Hon’ble Minister, Department of AYUSH, Shri G. T. Dhungel, in strengthening the Department and advancing various AYUSH initiatives.
He emphasised the importance of preventive healthcare, healthy diet, balanced daily routine, physical activity and overall well-being, and stated that the principles of Ayurveda should be promoted not only in clinical settings but also in homes, schools, workplaces and communities.
The Hon’ble Advisor stressed the need to preserve traditional knowledge while strengthening it through scientific research, evidence, quality and safety. He also highlighted Sikkim’s rich Himalayan biodiversity and medicinal plant resources and called for greater emphasis on their documentation, conservation, cultivation, research and sustainable utilisation.
He further highlighted the various initiatives being undertaken to strengthen the AYUSH ecosystem in Sikkim, including development of wellness infrastructure, strengthening of Sowa Rigpa education and healthcare facilities and the proposed Ayurveda Hospital and College. He encouraged AYUSH practitioners, particularly young professionals, to pursue research, enhance their knowledge and contribute towards the development of AYUSH in the State.
The inaugural session concluded with the Vote of Thanks by the Special Secretary, Department of AYUSH.
This was followed by the Quarterly Review of the National AYUSH Mission for FY 2026–27, chaired by the Secretary, Department of AYUSH, during which progress and implementation of various NAM activities were discussed.
Before commencement of the technical sessions, the Department felicitated and congratulated AYUSH personnel for their notable achievements.
• Dr. Milan Pradhan was felicitated for bringing laurels to the State by winning two silver medals in the 72 Kg Senior Women category at the World Strength lifting & IBP Championship in Kyrgyzstan, earning recognition for Sikkim on the international stage.
• All five Homeopathic doctors who recently received promotions were congratulated for their professional advancement.
• The Doctors of Yoga & Naturopathy were congratulated for reaching the final of a Futsal competition played during Physiotherapy day observation.
• Dr. Adarsh Sharma was felicitated for providing healthcare support to 10 batches of pilgrims undertaking the Mansarovar Yatra at high altitude.
The Department appreciated these achievements as a matter of pride for the AYUSH fraternity and the State of Sikkim.
Technical Sessions
The technical sessions commenced with Dr. Debajyoti Das, Research Officer (Ayurveda), Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Tadong, who delivered a session on “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow.” The session highlighted the continuing relevance of Ayurvedic principles in preventive healthcare, healthy lifestyle and promotion of well-being.
The third technical session was delivered by Dr. A. J. V. Sai Prasad, Assistant Director-in-Charge, RARI, Tadong, on “Pharmacovigilance on AYUSH Drugs.” The session highlighted the importance of monitoring, documenting and reporting adverse events associated with AYUSH medicines in order to strengthen patient safety and evidence-based practice.
This was followed by Dr. Nidhi Rai, Junior Consultant, RARI, Tadong, who delivered a technical session on “Reporting of Misleading Advertisements (MLA) and Drugs and Cosmetics Act.” The session focused on regulatory provisions, responsible communication and the need to prevent misleading claims relating to AYUSH medicines and therapies.
The CME provided a valuable platform for professional learning, exchange of experiences and strengthening collaboration between AYUSH doctors, Department officials and research institutions. For the newly established Department of AYUSH, such continuing education programmes are an important mechanism for building institutional capacity, developing a culture of continuous learning and ensuring that the expanding AYUSH healthcare system in Sikkim remains safe, ethical, evidence-informed and patient-centred.
The programme reaffirmed the Department of AYUSH’s commitment to strengthening the quality, credibility, safety and professional capacity of AYUSH systems and advancing the vision of “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow.
