CM Dr. Manik Saha Hails Major Tripura Healthcare Progress

Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha has unequivocally reaffirmed the state government’s steadfast commitment to enhancing public health services and infrastructure across Tripura. Speaking at the 25th annual conference of the Tripura branch of the Association of Physicians of India (API) at the Vivekananda Auditorium of Tripura Medical College on Saturday, Dr. Saha detailed a series of significant milestones that underscore what he termed “remarkable Tripura Healthcare Progress.”

The Chief Minister, himself a medical professional, emphasized that the government’s focus is not limited to prominent institutions like GBP and IGM Hospitals but extends equally to upgrading district and sub-divisional hospitals. He stated plainly: “The development of health services is a top priority for our government.” This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that advanced medical care is accessible to citizens even in remote parts of the state.

Key Milestones in Tripura Healthcare Progress

The two-day conference served as a platform for Dr. Saha to showcase the transformative changes currently underway in the state’s health sector. His address highlighted that Tripura is rapidly moving from a region dependent on external medical facilities to one that is self-sufficient in several specialized areas.

The major points demonstrating the current Tripura Healthcare Progress include:

• Advanced Specialised Care: Tripura has successfully completed five kidney transplant surgeries, a monumental achievement that establishes the state’s capacity for complex, specialized medical procedures.
• Expansion of Medical Education: The state now boasts three medical colleges and one dental college, collectively offering approximately 400 MBBS seats and 63 dental seats, significantly boosting the future medical workforce.
• Private Sector Investment: The foundation stone for the private Shija Hospital has been laid in Bodhjangnagar. This large-scale project involves an estimated investment of ₹900 crore and includes plans for a new medical college, further expanding medical capacity.
• Infrastructure Enhancement: The government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AIIMS Delhi to help resolve administrative challenges and enhance services at the key GBP Hospital.
• Subsidised Patient Support: AGMC and GBP hospitals, in collaboration with the Patient Welfare Association and the Rotary Club, provide meals to patients’ families at a highly subsidized rate of just ₹10.

Focus on Infrastructure and Workforce Development for Tripura Healthcare Progress

Addressing the critical need for a skilled workforce, the Chief Minister noted that the government has proactively established institutions for B.Sc. Nursing, ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery), GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery), and Pharmacy courses. This strategic investment is designed to bridge the gap between demand and supply for essential healthcare professionals, ensuring that the enhanced infrastructure is adequately staffed.

Furthermore, the government is expanding its infrastructure footprint with specific goals in mind:

• Health and Wellness Centers: Tripura currently operates around 1,100 Health and Wellness Centers, forming the frontline of primary healthcare delivery across the state.
• New Specialised Facility: Concrete plans are in motion to construct a state-of-the-art eye hospital on vacant land adjacent to ILS, adding another layer of specialized care capability to Tripura Healthcare Progress.

Financial Commitment and Economic Context

Dr. Saha also provided encouraging details regarding the financial commitment made by the state towards public health. The scale of the welfare spending demonstrates the government’s intent to make healthcare affordable and accessible to the masses.

Financial highlights of the Tripura Healthcare Progress:

• National Scheme Utilization: The state has spent a considerable ₹250 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).
• State Scheme Investment: An additional ₹26 crore has been utilized through the state’s own Chief Minister’s Jan Arogya Yojana, ensuring broad coverage for public health welfare.

On a broader economic note, the Chief Minister pointed out that Tripura currently ranks second among all North-Eastern states in terms of per capita income and Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). This economic stability provides the necessary foundation for sustained growth in sectors like health and education.

The conference, which was marked by the presence of leading medical luminaries, including API National President Prof. (Dr.) Jyotirmoy Pala, underscores the collaboration between the medical fraternity and the state administration in driving this crucial Tripura Healthcare Progress. Dr. Gautam Roy Chowdhury was also honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award during the event. The state’s trajectory is clearly focused on achieving medical self-sufficiency and superior public health standards.