Agartala, December 24: Stressing the need to build health awareness from early childhood, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Wednesday said that children must be taught habits of cleanliness and proper dental care from a young age to prevent diseases later in life.
The Chief Minister was speaking after inaugurating National Doctors’ Day 2025 along with the Annual Dental Conference of the Indian Dental Association (IDA), Tripura State Branch, held in Agartala. He said learning never ends in the medical profession and urged young doctors to continuously update their knowledge by seeking guidance from senior and experienced practitioners.
Highlighting the state government’s focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure, Dr. Saha said significant progress has been made in recent years. The total number of beds in medical and district hospitals has increased from 727 to 1,473. He added that the state government is also working to expand healthcare services through collaboration with private medical institutions.
The Chief Minister informed that a new building of the Government Dental College is being constructed at a cost of ₹202 crore with the support of the Union Government. He further stated that the intake capacity has increased, with MBBS seats rising to 450, PG seats to 93, and BDS seats to 30. To strengthen eye-care services, a 100-bed eye hospital will also be set up in the state.
Speaking on child healthcare, Dr. Saha said the Mukhyamantri Suposhan–Supokshan Abhiyan has included nearly 10.59 lakh children and adolescents aged between 1 and 19 years, ensuring access to free treatment. He also recalled the contribution of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, regarded as the father of modern medical education in India.
Health Secretary Kiran Gitte delivered the welcome address, stating that Tripura has achieved notable success in improving healthcare services over the past three years through the use of modern technology. The programme was also addressed by Dr. Partha Ray Choudhury, President of the Indian Dental Association, Tripura State Branch.
Among others present were senior officials from the Health Department, representatives of the National Health Mission, medical education authorities, principals of government medical institutions, and members of the Indian Dental Association. On the occasion, the Chief Minister unveiled the association’s souvenir, felicitated senior dental surgeon Dr. Gourish Chakraborty for his special contribution to dental healthcare, and also felicitated a TB-free patient by handing over a certificate and a nutrition kit.
