Agartala 6 Jan, 2025: The Chief Minister of Tripura, Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha, highlighted the pivotal role of nurses in the healthcare system during the lamp-lighting and oath-taking ceremony for the second batch of B.Sc. Nursing students at Agartala Government Nursing College today. Addressing the gathering at the college auditorium, he stressed the importance of developing advanced nursing systems in healthcare institutions and affirmed the state government’s commitment to achieving this goal.
As part of the ceremony, the Chief Minister also inaugurated a state-of-the-art IT lab at the college. He described the event as a tribute to Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, and called on students to adhere to the values and commitments outlined in their oath. A total of 49 nursing students from the second batch participated in the ceremony, following last year’s inaugural batch of 48 students.
The Chief Minister provided a historical overview of nursing education in Tripura, mentioning that the Nurses Training Institute, established in 1950, is the oldest and most respected institution in the state. In 1994, the institute came under the purview of the Tripura Nursing Council. He also noted significant milestones, such as the establishment of a hostel at Agartala Government Medical College and GBP Hospital in 2005 and the relocation of the institute to the new IGM Hospital campus in 2020, where upgraded hostels and infrastructure were made available.
Highlighting the facilities at Agartala Government Nursing College, the Chief Minister said the college is equipped with smart classrooms and advanced laboratories, including Foundation, Pediatric, Midwifery, Community, and Nutrition Labs, as well as a simulated unit for practical training.
The Chief Minister underscored the state government’s ongoing efforts to transform Tripura into a healthcare hub. “The establishment of two medical colleges, a nursing college, a dental college, and several other health institutions is part of our strategy to strengthen the healthcare sector,” he said. He further noted that these advancements have significantly reduced the number of patients being referred outside the state for treatment.
Dr. Maitri Choudhury, Acting Principal of Agartala Government Nursing College, and Rajib Dutta, Additional Secretary of the Health Department, also spoke on the occasion.
The event concluded with the oath-taking ceremony, led by Sutapa Chakraborty, a tutor at the college, inspiring students to commit themselves to the profession with dedication and integrity.
