February 15, 2002

GOOD RESPONSE TO PARIVAR KALYAN SWASTHYA MELA IN SIKKIM

    During the three-day Partivar Kalyan Swasthya Mela held at Ravangla in Sikkim from February 11 to 13, 2002, 167 No Scalpel Vasectomy and 127 tubectomy operations were conducted. This is the highest number achieved in any Parivar Kalyan Swasthya Mela. So far 12 melas were organised in different parts of the country. This was the first mela of its kind held in the North-Eastern region. The population of Ravangla is 20,000. Ravangla (6800 ft), saddled on the ridge between the Menam (10,600 ft) and Tendong (8500 ft) peaks, is a sub-divisional headquarters of the South district of Sikkim. Situated on the State highway between Gangtok and Pelling/Pemayangtse, Ravangla town and the surrounding villages are an ideal destination to experience the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Sikkim. Ravangla and adjoining areas are famous for cardamom and lush green pine and deodar trees.

    The mela was inaugurated by the Chief Minister, Shri Pawan Chamling. The Lepcha, Nepali and Gurung dances performed by the local artistes enchanted the 5000 people who witnessed the opening ceremony.

    About 2000 people were given treatment for various ailment like those of eyes, nose, throat, TB, Malaria, Cancer and Cataract operations, ECG, Immunization, Orthopaedics and counselling on family planning and HIV/AIDS.

    The Mela was organized jointly by the Sikkim Government and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India The State team was led by Dr. Layden Ongmoo, Director, Deptt. of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Sikkim and the Central team by Shri S.C.Srivastava, Director, Department of Family Welfare.