Former Sikkim CM slams state govt for 'harassing' two doctors

GANGTOK: Former Sikkim Chief Minister and President of the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party, Pawan Kumar Chamling condemned the present state government for using police to harass Dr. Mechung Bhutia and Dr. Bina Basnet who have been providing voluntary door-to-door medical service in the state.

“I do not have words to express my shock and disappointment at the arrogance and foolishness of the present state government… Far from refusing to take the help of our own people, we should be willing to take even an enemy’s help if that will save lives”, said the former Chief Minister.

“ But our government in Sikkim, on the other hand, has been so arrogantly harassing the volunteering medical doctors who have been providing free door-to-door service in Sikkim”, he added.

Also Read: Tripura curtails syllabi for 10, 12 boards by 30 percent

He applauded the two doctors terming their endeavors to provide voluntary medical service door to door a ‘global example not seen anywhere else.

He stressed that the government should express gratitude to people like the duo and then provide support and encourage them.

“It is beyond imagination what this state government is doing. Using the police to harass them. Dear people of Sikkim, it is not just a gross injustice and oppressive mentality at work. It is the outworking of an inhumane and sadistic mind” added Chamling.

Chamling informed that Dr. Mechung Bhutia, in his visits found out that the government had been recklessly distributing Covid-kits containing medicines for Covid in the villages. “Medicines which are dangerous for lactating and pregnant women were given out randomly”, he said.

To respond to his claims, the state government said that the medicines were distributed by ASHA workers, which Chamling claims to be partially true.

Further praising the efforts of the two private doctors, the former Chief Minister said that they have been meeting people having low oxygen saturation, showing symptoms of Covid-19, with some needing immediate medical intervention.

“Only a few narrow-minded leaders in the government are disappointed with their free service. History will never forgive and forget this government’s inhuman attitude and abysmal pettiness”, he added.

Extending his support, Chamling said, “Dr. Mechung and Dr. Bina, the people of the state are with you. Do not lose heart. Our support, best wishes, and the people’s blessings are upon you.”

He also urged qualified medical doctors and nurses to come forward who are willing to go out and serve people during such crisis. He assured that he will provide all the needed logistical support, equipment, medicines, etc. required to perform the services.

Some anti-Sikkimese foolish people are saying that we are politicizing the Covid pandemic.

Responding to ‘some anti-Sikkimese foolish people’ who alleged that Chamling is politicizing the COVID pandemic, he said, “Let them know we have been sharing our heartfelt concerns about this reckless government’s disastrous management of the situation.

“I appeal simply to the government to stop thinking that we are politicising the matter. We are not. We know what the supreme priority should be right now. We have no political brownie points to gain. Remove your focus from us and please focus all your mind and attention in the Covid battle. We are with you. When we start politics, you will know it, you will feel it and you will see it. Till then, utilise all the power the people have given you to serve them to the utmost and save their lives”, he further added.

Chamling advised the people who are ‘insecure’ and accuse him and his party of politicizing issues, to ‘remove that narrow lens and look at what Sikkim achieved’ during his governance.

“If you remain politically dwarfed and myopic, you can never see the heights of our achievements”, he added.

Follow us on Facebook