Agartala, Nov 11:The Tripura government is considering setting up a 50-bed dedicated cancer hospital in Kailashahar in Unakoti district to provide specialised treatment closer to patients in the state’s northern region, officials said.
The proposed facility, planned adjacent to the Unakoti District Hospital, is expected to cater to cancer patients from Unakoti, North Tripura and Dhalai districts, reducing the need for them to travel to Agartala for advanced medical care.
Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy visited the proposed site on Wednesday afternoon to assess the feasibility of the project. He was accompanied by Unakoti Chief Medical Officer Shirshendu Chakma, District Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Rohan Paul and other Health Department officials.
During the visit, Roy held discussions with the officials on land availability, the proposed location, infrastructure requirements and other technical aspects related to the project.
The minister said the government was actively considering the establishment of a specialised cancer treatment centre in Kailashahar as part of its efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in the northern districts.
Officials said the proposal was at a preliminary stage and a detailed survey would be conducted to assess the suitability of the identified land.
Based on the findings of the survey, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared, covering the proposed hospital’s infrastructure, estimated cost, medical facilities and implementation strategy.
Further decisions on construction and execution will be taken after the completion of the preliminary assessments and necessary administrative formalities, they said.
At present, patients from the three districts often have to travel to Agartala for specialised cancer diagnosis, treatment and follow-up consultations. The journeys can add to the financial burden on patients and their families and pose logistical challenges, particularly for those requiring prolonged treatment and regular medical attention.
The proposed facility is expected to improve access to oncology services in the northern region and reduce the burden on specialised healthcare institutions in the state capital.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to decentralise specialised medical services and ensure a more balanced distribution of healthcare infrastructure across Tripura.
Local residents have welcomed the proposal and expressed hope that the survey and other administrative procedures would be completed soon.
If established, the 50-bed hospital would expand the state’s cancer care network and enable patients in the northern districts to access specialised treatment closer to their homes.
