Gangtok, 13th December 2025:
National AYUSH Mission (NAM), Department of AYUSH, Government of Sikkim, successfully concluded a three-day residential training program for AYUSH Medical Officers, held from 10th to 12th December 2025 at Hotel Yak & Yeti, Burtuk. The program was designed to strengthen clinical competencies of AYUSH practitioners in managing metabolic disorders according to Standard Treatment Guidelines, addressing mental health concerns, applying Marma Therapy techniques, and integrating Yoga and Naturopathy into clinical practice.
Day 1: Inaugural Session & Technical Deliberations
The training program commenced with an Inaugural Session chaired by the Secretary, Department of AYUSH, who formally launched the three-days training. The Mission Director, National AYUSH Mission, the Additional Director (Administration) and the State Program Officer, Department of AYUSH were also present during the inaugural ceremony.
To assess baseline knowledge and competency levels, a pre-test assessment was administered to all participating AYUSH Medical Officers at the beginning of the training.
Technical sessions on the opening day focused on:
•Mental health challenges among school and college students with coping skills mechanism wherein session was taken by a Clinical Psychologist from New STNM, Sochakgang.
•Reporting mechanisms and documentation protocols for field-level AYUSH services taken by Finance Manager and HMIS Manager, NAM.
Day 2: Standard Treatment Guidelines & Clinical Modules
Day two featured a comprehensive presentation by the State Program Officer on the aims and objectives of the training, with emphasis on Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) for metabolic disorders. The session also highlighted the health indicators of Sikkim as per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), illustrating the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the State and the scope for AYUSH systems to contribute meaningfully in improving these indicators.
This was followed by parallel hands-on clinical training sessions conducted by Master Trainers from Ayurveda and Homeopathy, covering:
•Gout
•Obesity
•Dyslipidemia
•Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
These modules provided practical approaches and Standard Treatment Guidelines.
Day 3: Yoga & Naturopathy and Marma Therapy
The final day included:
•A practical demonstration and PPT presentation on Yoga and Naturopathy, led by a Doctor of Yoga & Naturopathy.
•Hands-on Marma Therapy training for musculoskeletal conditions, conducted by Ayurveda Master Trainers.
Valedictory Session
The Secretary, Department of AYUSH, presided over the Valedictory Session, during which certificates were awarded to all participating AYUSH Medical Officers in recognition of their active engagement.
To evaluate learning outcomes and the effectiveness of the training, a post-test assessment was conducted prior to certificate distribution. The improvement in scores reflected strong knowledge enhancement among participants.
In her address, the Secretary:
•Reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to strengthening the AYUSH cadre.
•Announced that AYUSH doctors will be formally integrated into key program implementation processes from FY 2025–26 onward.
•Appreciated the dedicated service of AYUSH doctors at the grassroots level.
•Highlighted the potential of AYUSH doctors to contribute significantly to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, particularly in reducing the NCD burden and promoting holistic health.
The Mission Director, National AYUSH Mission, also addressed the participants, stressing the:
•Importance of pursuing higher studies and advanced training.
•Critical role of AYUSH doctors in reducing the rising NCD burden in the State.
•Need for integrative collaboration with the Health Department to ensure comprehensive and community-centered healthcare delivery.
The three day training concluded with vote of thanks by State Program Officer.
