Sources said that the department of health and family welfare of Sikkim on Monday issued a notice highlighting two key points.

 Sikkim government faces flak over bar on distributing medicines, consumables to flood victims

'Our party has formed relief cells and we are fanning across the affected areas holding camps and providing relief. They are simply afraid of us. In this hour of crisis, relief issues should not be politicised', said P.D. Rai, vice president of Sikkim Democratic Front

A drone view of roads and houses damaged by flash floods in Naga-Namgor village, Sikkim. Reuters picture

Vivek Chhetri, TT, Darjeeling, 12.10.23 : The Sikkim government’s notice refraining individuals and non-government organisations from distributing medicines and consumables directly to flood-hit individuals has come under flak, with many alleging that the state government was trying to curb and control activities of the Opposition.

Sources said that the department of health and family welfare of Sikkim on Monday issued a notice highlighting two key points.

The department wanted all the department doctors and employees and their medical teams to inform the health department before proceeding to serve people in Chungthang, Lachen and Lachung of north Sikkim. This was advised “for ensuring safety measures and better coordination".

The other issue was regarding the distribution of medicines. “It has been informed that some individuals in the name of Organizations/NGOs have been distributing medicines and consumables directly to the individual. Such practice must stop and those willing to donate medicines and consumables are requested to do the same in the office of the Secretary, Health Department,” the notice signed by Dr A.B. Karki, secretary, health and family welfare department, reads.

P.D. Rai, the former Sikkim MP and vice president of Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has termed the notice “absurd".

“The notice is absurd and pathetic. The Sikkim government, which has been incompetent in managing the crisis, is trying to politicise and obstruct others from carrying out even relief measures to hide their own failures,” said Rai.

The senior leader of Pawan Chamling’s party said the state government was “afraid” of the relief work their party has begun.

“Our party has formed relief cells and we are fanning across the affected areas holding camps and providing relief. They are simply afraid of us. In this hour of crisis, relief issues should not be politicised,” said Rai.

Senior officials, however, said they had to come up with the notice to protect citizens.

“We came out with this notice after some individuals complained of reactions after they administered medicines distributed by individuals. No medicines should be distributed without a proper prescription,” said health secretary Dr Karki.

The notice, however, does not mention that “prescription” issue.

The health secretary further added that most flood victims had lost their prescriptions. “This is why it is important to have a proper checkup before starting medicines,” said Dr Karki.

SDF leader Rai countered this, saying their party health camps had doctors to issue prescriptions.

The Sikkim health official said that proper medical facilities were available in relief camps. “We conduct yoga sessions. We are addressing mental health issues and counselling those traumatised. Doctors are screening people every day. Teams are fogging areas to prevent water-borne diseases. Immunisation teams are visiting camps every day,” said Dr Karki.

In Sikkim, 21 relief camps have been set up where nearly 4,000 residents are currently residing.