GANGTOK, MAY 17 ( AGENCIES): Sonam Gyatso Sherpa, General Secretary of the Denzong Sherpa Association, met Tshering W. Sherpa, IFS, Ambassador of India to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, in Hanoi on May 16 to discuss the vision of building a “Rog Mukta Sikkim” by 2031 and explore avenues of cooperation between Sikkim and Vietnam in healthcare, agriculture and tourism sectors, reports India Today NE.
The meeting was held at the residence of the Indian Ambassador in the Vietnamese capital. During the interaction, Ambassador Tshering W. Sherpa, son of Lt. Col. O. Sherpa (Retd.), reportedly assured that he would visit Sikkim in September this year for further discussions on development-oriented initiatives concerning the state.
Sonam Gyatso Sherpa presented details of the proposed “Punara Janma Viksit Sikkim 2031: Health Sector Transformation” roadmap, a long-term policy vision aimed at transforming Sikkim into a healthy, resilient and digitally empowered state by 2031. The roadmap seeks to align Sikkim’s healthcare reforms with the broader national vision of Viksit Bharat while addressing the challenges posed by the state’s mountainous terrain, dispersed population and remote habitations. The proposal emphasises a healthcare model centred on accessibility, preventive care and technology-enabled services suited for high-altitude regions.
According to the proposal, the state aims to achieve near universal health coverage by expanding enrolment under Ayushman Bharat, enhancing healthcare coverage for senior citizens and reducing out-of-pocket medical expenditure through integrated insurance support systems.
It also recommends large-scale expansion of PM Jan Aushadhi centres to improve access to affordable generic medicines across the state.
Monday, May 18, 2026