Effigy of Bhaichung Bhutia burnt in Namchi as Sikkim Govt decides to construct hospital at football ground

Xtra Time Web Desk: The North East town of Namchi turned unrest on Wednesday as wild protests was carried on against former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia. Members of the South Sikkim Women Sangh strongly opposed Bhaichung’s criticism over setting up 300 bedded hospital in South District HQ in Namchi where reportedly Bhutia opposed it immediately after state Chief Minister carried foundation stone laying ceremony. The women raised slogans ‘Bhaichung Bhutia Murdabad’ in the demonstration held at Namchi Central Park

Bhaichung strongly condemned the Government’s decision to build a hospital at a football ground. In fact Bhutia also hails from Namchi where the proposed hospital will be constructed. Reacting strongly against the proposed project, Bhaichung posted his views on his social media platform facebook. Here is the post:

Hospital not at a cost of football ground.

Misplaced priorities of Govt of Sikkim:

It is disappointing to learn of the  Govt of Sikkim’s decision to construct a 300 bed hospital in Namchi at a cost of above Rs 500 Cr. HCM Mr. Golay  said that he has already released Rs 80 Cr so far for the same.

First of all, this hospital is being built on the only playground available in Namchi at the moment. It would have been better if it had been shifted to Karfectar near Jorethang, where the Govt. has sold land for a cancer hospital.  This location suits people from both South and West Sikkim.

 – During this pandemic the Govt should have focused on upgrading all existing hospitals and PHCs with the right infrastructure, equipment and trained manpower to fight covid on a war footing instead of building a new hospital.

– With 80 Cr already sanctioned the priority should have been procuring vaccines for people of Sikkim, which is the need of the hour.

I would request the Govt. to kindly stop the construction and start when pandemic is over. The focus right now must be on man power and upgradation of existing hospitals,  including PHCs. And importantly, They must shift the project from the only playground available in Namchi.

– Remember we all fought for good parivartan and the people voted for parivartan but what is actually taking place in Sikkim has completely been disappointing so far. Percentages and commissions can wait but peoples’ lives and livelihoods are at stake here so let us hope the Govt. gets its priorities right.