Agartala, Dec 13: Treating mental illnesses is a challenging task that requires significant effort to rehabilitate patients and reintegrate them into society, said Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha. He made these remarks while inaugurating the 25th Annual Conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society, Tripura Chapter, held at the Swami Vivekananda Auditorium of Tripura Medical College and B.R. Ambedkar Teaching Hospital today.
Highlighting the importance of mental health, the Chief Minister emphasized lifestyle changes, abstinence from addiction, and regular yoga practice as essential to combating mental illnesses. He added that the role of society and caregivers is crucial in supporting mental health patients and ensuring their acceptance after recovery. Public awareness, he noted, is also vital in addressing the challenges associated with mental health issues.
The Chief Minister identified depression, anxiety, and addiction as major causes of mental health problems. He mentioned the state’s existing Mental Health Institute in Narsingarh and shared that the government is working to modernize and enhance its facilities. Furthermore, a rehabilitation center for drug addicts will be established in Bishramganj, Sepahijala district, with support from the Ministry of DoNER.
Speaking on the improvement of healthcare services in the state, Dr. Manik Saha said that Tripura now offers almost free kidney transplant services. He also revealed that reputed organizations from outside the state, such as Manipur’s Shija Hospitals, have expressed interest in investing in Tripura’s healthcare sector, including setting up a super-specialty hospital. The state government is actively inviting investments to further strengthen healthcare facilities. Under schemes like Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Tripura ranks among the top states in the country for providing comprehensive healthcare coverage.
During the inaugural session, senior psychiatrists, including Dr. A.K. Nath, Dr. Jiban Chakraborty, Dr. Bimal Krishna Bhowmik, Dr. Jyotirmoy Ghosh, and Dr. Sajal Gupta, were felicitated. The wife of the late psychiatrist Dr. Rupamoy Wadedder also received a special honor.
Other speakers at the event included Dr. Sanjib Debbarma, Director of Health and Family Welfare Department; Dr. Srikumar Mukherjee, President of the Eastern Zone of the Indian Psychiatric Society; and Dr. Anjan Das, Director of Preventive Medicine. Also present were Prof. Dr. H.P. Sharma, Director of Health and Medical Services; Dr. Arindam Dutta, Principal of Tripura Medical College; and Dr. Dipayan Sarkar, Chairman of the Indian Psychiatric Society, Tripura Chapter.
