Sikkim's first government medical college begins inaugural academic session

Sikkim's first government medical college, Helen Lepcha Sikkim Government Medical College, has commenced its inaugural academic session with 100 MBBS students. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said the college marks a new chapter in the state's healthcare and medical education landscape, providing young people access to quality medical training within Sikkim.

The medical college has received permission from the National Medical Commission to admit 100 MBBS students annually from the 2026-27 academic session. The institution is named after Helen Lepcha as a tribute to her courage, sacrifice and contribution to shaping Sikkim's history.

Tamang said the state government envisions the college developing into a Centre of Excellence with focus on research in Himalayan medicine and healthcare for rural and remote areas. He pledged the government's commitment to ensuring deserving students regardless of economic background have opportunity to pursue medical education.