SHOUT OUT to #Dikchu Primary Health Center Staffs Ms. Phurkit Lepcha, Ms. Krishna Subba and Ms. Rita Devi

Our team sends a warm "Shout Out" to the kindest and most generous staff members of Dikchu PHC for helping one of our editors during a medical emergency.

Our editor writes,

"On the 16th of April, 2017 I was on a field visit to Sikkim, along the way I suffered from mild food-poisoning and became very sick. There was no where I could seek help, i.e until I arrived at Dikchu

A kind police officer based in Dikchu directed me to the Primary Health Center nearby, but I was unsure of the facilities there... the moment I stepped out of the vehicle, the staff members showed me so much kindness that I was blown away by their care and concern.

Not only did they provide me with medications, but also treated me with utmost courtesy and care.

I was admitted to the observation room and next to me was a pregnant lady, I was surprised to learn that the PHC provides the patient with healthy cooked meals, and those who want to cook on their own - even a place to cook, equipped with cooking gas and utensils, while the hospital pays for the raw materials they buy.

While being admitted there, I couldn't help but contrast the scenario with the dismal healthcare situation in Darjeeling region. Our doctors are absent from the hospital so that they can practice in private, our nurses are overworked and may be because of it a bit rude, and in all likelihood the Sabhasad in Charge of health gobbles up all the facilities provided for patients... Moreover, the Primary Health Center was cleaner than our District Hospital and they had all the facilities of a sub-division level hospital.

I do understand that Sikkim is a state of its own, and we are merely a district... but the people are the same on both the sides... they speak the same language that we do, and they live their lives in the same way as we do... yet the difference between their attitude and the attitude of our health care employees were stark and obvious for me to see.

I couldn't ask the name of the kindly police officer, but I thank Him for his help...

Most important of all, I thank the Dikchu PHC staffs Ms. Phurkit Lepcha, Ms. Krishna Subba and Ms. Rita Devi for taking such good care of me when I needed it the most.

You guys are a credit to the health care staff everywhere, and Sikkim and its people are lucky to have such kind, caring and dedicated workers... THANK YOU!!"

We are hopeful that the compassion shown by these health care staff will inspire thousands of others in the profession to show the same degree of professionalism and care to those in need.

Take a bow Ms. Phurkit Lepcha, Ms. Krishna Subba and Ms. Rita Devi !! You all have earned it !!