Agartala, March 6: Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha on Friday said that ensuring accessible, affordable and quality modern healthcare for the people remains one of the top priorities of the present state government. He stated this while addressing a press conference at the AGMC Council Building after inaugurating three key healthcare services at AGMC and GBP Hospital in Agartala.
The Chief Minister informed that the three newly launched services include a 16-bed Respiratory and Geriatric Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a Trauma Centre Operation Theatre, and a newly constructed Labour Room-cum-OBS & Gyno OT Complex. He said the introduction of these facilities will significantly enhance the capacity of the hospital to provide advanced and timely medical care to patients.
Dr. Saha said the Respiratory and Geriatric ICU, equipped with modern monitoring systems and advanced life-support facilities, will help in treating patients suffering from severe respiratory complications and age-related critical illnesses. He added that the facility will be particularly beneficial for elderly patients. The Chief Minister also announced that the state government plans to increase ICU beds to more than 320 in the future.
Speaking about the Trauma Centre Operation Theatre, he said the facility will allow doctors to conduct round-the-clock emergency surgeries. Patients will have access to services from neurosurgeons, general surgeons and orthopaedic specialists, ensuring faster and more effective treatment in cases of road accidents and other medical emergencies.
Highlighting the Labour Room-cum-OBS & Gyno OT Complex, the Chief Minister said the modern infrastructure has been developed to ensure safe motherhood and improved neonatal care. The facility will provide better medical services for pregnant women and newborn babies.
Dr. Saha also noted that the state’s healthcare sector has witnessed significant progress in recent years. The bed capacity at AGMC and GBP Hospital has increased from 727 to 1,413, and several initiatives such as the construction of critical care blocks, communicable disease centres and special wards are underway.
He further said that the government has started telemedicine consultation with AIIMS, enabling doctors in Tripura to seek expert advice for complex medical cases. With the expansion of super-speciality services, many complicated treatments are now being conducted within the state, reducing the need for patients to travel outside for treatment.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the expansion of medical education in Tripura, stating that the number of postgraduate seats has been increased to 119. Efforts are also being made to upgrade sub-divisional and district hospitals, dental colleges and other medical infrastructure.
He informed that kidney transplant procedures have already begun in the state, and steps are being taken to develop infrastructure for liver and heart transplants in the future. The government is also working on establishing a Tripura Health University. To enhance the skills of healthcare professionals, doctors and nurses have been sent to AIIMS New Delhi for specialised training, and similar training programmes will continue in phases.
Dr. Saha also highlighted several other achievements and initiatives in the healthcare sector, including the establishment of new district hospitals in Sepahijala and Khowai, setting up homeopathic and Ayurvedic hospitals, a proposal to establish a new medical college at Dhalai District Hospital in Kulai, launching Bharat Mata Canteens, plans for additional trauma care centres, establishment of a de-addiction centre at Bishramganj, and a proposal for a 100-bed tertiary eye care hospital.
He also mentioned that special emphasis is being placed on non-communicable diseases under the Mukhyamantri Niramay Arogya Yojana, while patients are receiving treatment support through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
Replying to questions from journalists, the Chief Minister said that the government has taken a policy decision to establish a super-speciality hospital at the site of the old Hapania jute mill. He also stated that steps are being taken to set up an ESIC hospital in the state.
Dr. Saha added that GBP Hospital has long been one of the key pillars of Tripura’s healthcare system, and further steps will be taken in the coming days for its development and beautification.
Earlier, the Chief Minister, along with the Health Secretary Kiran Gitte, Health Director and other officials, formally inaugurated the three healthcare services.
Among others present at the press conference were Chairperson of GBP Rogi Kalyan Samiti and MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, Health Secretary Kiran Gitte, AGMC Principal Dr. Tapan Majumdar and MS of GBP Hospital Dr. Bidhan Goswami.
