Monday, Sep 29, 2025 22:30 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Sep 28, 2025 17:02 [IST]
Leading cardiologist Dr. D.P. Rai completes ten years of heart-healing service to his home State
GANGTOK, : World Heart Day, observed on September 29, is a fitting occasion to celebrate Sikkim’s remarkable journey in transforming cardiac care and healing thousands of hearts.
This year’s theme, ‘Don’t Miss a Beat,’ resonates strongly with Sikkim's progress in reaching out to and successfully treating thousands of cardiac patients in recent years.
Since 2019, over 4,000 successful cardiac and vascular interventions have been performed at the new STNM Hospital in Gangtok. Today, the State-run multi-speciality hospital stands as a beacon of advanced cardiac care, not just for Sikkim, but also for North Bengal and neighbouring States. A significant number of patients visiting STNM Hospital are from outside Sikkim, which also contributes to the State’s growing appeal in medical and wellness tourism.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay and the State government for their continued support to the cardiology department and for ensuring its remarkable progress through modern cardiac healthcare facilities, said Dr. D.P. Rai, Head of the Department of Cardiology at STNM Hospital.
Dr. D.P. Rai, Sikkim’s first interventional cardiologist, is widely acclaimed for elevating his home State to a regional leader in cardiac care through his dedication and expertise. Despite receiving lucrative offers from corporate hospitals, Dr. Rai chose to serve in Sikkim and has now completed a decade of service. In these 10 years, he and his team have treated thousands of patients, many of whom were brought back from the brink of death through timely interventions.
Dr. Rai joined the new STNM Hospital in 2019, after serving at Central Referral Hospital Manipal, Tadong. He currently leads a team that includes Dr. Palden Wangchuk Bhutia and Dr. Gyalden Norbu, delivering world-class cardiac care through the hospital’s state-of-the-art facilities.
Since 2019, the Department of Cardiology at STNM has emerged as a centre of excellence in interventional cardiology, equipped with cutting-edge technology and high-end infrastructure for cardiac and vascular procedures. Over 4,000 successful interventions have been conducted in the hospital’s high-end Cath Lab OT.
We have one of the highest recovery rates in the region for heart attacks, cardiac arrest, and heart failure, shared Dr. Rai.
Grateful heart patients frequently express their deep appreciation for Dr. Rai and his team, acknowledging not only their life-saving work but also Dr. Rai’s decision to serve his home State instead of moving to metropolitan hospitals where earnings would have been significantly higher. His pioneering efforts have positioned Sikkim as a hub of excellence and medical tourism, generating goodwill, faith, and improved outcomes for thousands of patients.
Dr. D.P. Rai and his team regularly receive glowing feedback and adulatory response from the patients and their families after recovering from near-death stages under their care and expertise.
“On this World Heart Day, we express our gratitude to Dr. D.P. Rai for his ten years of exemplary service and for transforming cardiac care in Sikkim. His vision and commitment are an inspiration to healthcare professionals across the region,” said patients.
Dr. Rai, in turn, expressed his heartfelt thanks to the Chief Minister, the State government, the Health department, the STNM Hospital management, and his team.
“To earn the love, respect, and trust of the people of Sikkim is priceless for me. I remain committed to further strengthening cardiac healthcare in our State,” he said.
This progress is a collective effort, made possible by the dedication of the entire cardiac team, and the unwavering support of our Chief Minister, the hospital management, the Health Department, and the Government of Sikkim, said Dr. Rai.
In 2023, Dr. Rai was honoured with the Sikkim Sewa Samman, one of the State’s highest civilian awards, in recognition of his exceptional contributions.
Originally from Bull-Singtam in South Sikkim, Dr. Rai has no regrets about prioritizing service in his home State over more financially rewarding options elsewhere.
“I gave my priority to work in my home State as Sikkim would have been deprived of my service if I had opted to work outside. It was my ethical responsibility to serve my home State. I don’t regret this,” he said.
