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Tripura’s AGMC & GBP Hospital has performed its first advanced laparoscopic surgery for a large hiatal hernia, entirely free under Ayushman Bharat. This pioneering medical success brings new hope to patients statewide.

AGMC & GBP Hospital’s Breakthrough with advanced laparoscopic surgery

• The Department of Gastroenterology at Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) & GBP Hospital in Tripura has achieved a remarkable milestone by successfully performing an advanced laparoscopic surgery. The News Mill
• The procedure was a hiatal hernia repair in a 37-year-old woman from the Tuisindrai area under Teliamura, Khowai district. She had suffered two years of severe symptoms: chest pain after eating, vomiting, and even regurgitation of food through nose and mouth. The News Mill

What is advanced laparoscopic surgery in this case

• Medical investigations confirmed a large hiatal hernia, meaning part of the stomach had protruded into the chest cavity, leading to life-threatening complications. The News Mill
• The only viable treatment was surgery, and the hospital opted for a minimally invasive route — the advanced laparoscopic surgery method — which had not been done before in Tripura. The News Mill

Who led the surgical effort

• The surgery was conducted by a team led by Dr. Dipankar Shankar Mitra, Head of Department, Gastroenterology. The News Mill
• Other surgeons included Dr. A. Venkateswarlu, Dr. Soumen Sutradhar, and Dr. Debesh. The News Mill
• The anaesthesia and support teams were Dr. Anupam Chakraborty, Dr. Asit Bhattacharjee, Dr. Swapan Debbarma, Dr. Shubhankar Choubey, Dr. Jagrity, plus OT nurses and technicians. The News Mill

Timeline & Recovery

• Patient was admitted on 30 August 2025, after two years of symptoms. The News Mill
• Surgery took place on 26 August 2025 (Note: Source may have slight date discrepancies; official statement gives surgery date). The News Mill
• Within six hours post-surgery, she could take liquid food, and gradually returned to a normal diet. The News Mill
• She was observed for two days after the surgery, and discharged in healthy, stable condition on 6 September 2025. The News Mill

Cost & Accessibility

• This type of advanced laparoscopic surgery is rare in Tripura; previously not performed in state hospitals. The News Mill
• Typical cost in private hospitals for such surgery would be between ₹2.5 lakh and ₹4 lakh. The News Mill
• At AGMC & GBP Hospital, the patient received the surgery free of cost under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. The News Mill

Significance & Impact

• This success marks a positive leap in complex surgical care accessibility within Tripura.
• Patients in rural and remote areas now have a model to look towards — high-quality surgical care without the burden of high cost.
• Encourages further development of minimally invasive techniques in government hospitals.
• Boosts confidence in state-run health infrastructure under public health schemes.

What comes next

• Similar advanced laparoscopic procedures may now be planned in AGMC & GBP and perhaps replicated in other districts.
• Training of doctors, anesthetists, OT staff in laparoscopy techniques will be essential to scale this success.
• Monitoring of long-term outcomes in patients undergoing advanced laparoscopic surgery will help refine protocols.

Conclusion

This noteworthy success of advanced laparoscopic surgery by AGMC & GBP Hospital demonstrates how state health institutions, when empowered with expertise, facilities, and government support, can deliver high-end medical care equitably. For many, this is not just a medical procedure, but a symbol of hope and progress in healthcare.