Tripura, 31 July 2025: Thanks to the vision and initiative of Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, the state’s first dental college—Agartala Government Dental College and IGM Hospital—has been established, bringing advanced oral and maxillofacial surgical care within the reach of Tripura’s people.
Before the establishment of this dental college, access to quality treatment for complex dental and oral issues was a major challenge in the state. Now, the college’s team of specialist doctors is performing complex surgeries with high success rates. What’s more, patients enrolled under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) or the Chief Minister Jan Arogya Yojana (CM-JAY) are receiving these surgeries completely free of cost.
One such case is that of Surata Debbarma (41) from Bishramganj, who suffered severe facial injuries in a road accident. She was admitted to Agartala Government Dental College & IGM Hospital on 8th December 2024. Diagnostic reports revealed that the lower and posterior part of her jaw had fractured into two parts. Immediate surgery was advised, but the financial burden was too heavy for her family to bear.
However, her family learned through the hospital staff that the Ayushman Bharat scheme was applicable at this facility. Surata was already a cardholder under PM-JAY, enabling her to receive full surgical treatment free of cost.
Her surgery was successfully conducted on 9th December 2024 by a team led by Dr. Sridhar Reddy Padala and Dr. Shambhu Dey, along with dedicated healthcare workers. She was discharged on 19th December, with her facial structure restored and her ability to return to normal life regained.
This case not only showcases the effectiveness of the Ayushman Bharat scheme but also highlights the crucial role that Tripura’s dental college and its specialist doctors are playing in transforming lives through accessible and affordable healthcare.
