Tripura is committed to bolstering healthcare services: CM Manik Saha

Oct 14, 2023

Agartala (Tripura) [India], October 14 : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday inaugurated the super specialities, newly renovated paediatric and geriatric ward in the Govind Ballabh Pant (GBP) Hospital in Agartala.
Chief Minister Manik Saha said, "The state government is fervently committed to bolstering healthcare services, ensuring access to high-quality medical care for all citizens. A slew of initiatives has been undertaken to upgrade healthcare infrastructure, making healthcare services more accessible and efficient to the public."
CM Saha made this announcement while inaugurating the 63rd Foundation Day of GBP Hospital. The Foundation Day celebration took place at KLS Auditorium, GB, and marked a significant occasion in the state's healthcare sector. During the ceremony, the Chief Minister unveiled a range of new services, including a state-of-the-art super-speciality building and a dedicated medicine ward for women.
Reflecting on the hospital's historical significance, Dr Saha highlighted the pivotal role played by GB Hospital during the 1971 liberation war. "The hospital's doctors provided invaluable medical care to patients and victims from Bangladesh, earning the hospital a place in the hearts of the Bangladeshi people. This contribution has not been forgotten, even by the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and it continues to distinguish Tripura on the regional stage," CM Saha said.
CM Saha said that over the years, GB Hospital has evolved into a full-fledged medical college with an expanded range of services.
CM Saha said, "Today, GB Hospital's healthcare services rival those of the corporate sector in terms of quality and accessibility. The Department of Health has been directed to further enhance the quality of healthcare services provided by GB Hospital. The state government has prioritized healthcare system development, and it is actively working towards achieving this goal."
He further said that The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, a significant healthcare initiative, provides insurance coverage of up to 5 lakhs per annum for beneficiaries.
"Approximately 12 lakh people in Tripura have received Ayushman cards under this scheme, which is primarily aimed at helping the economically disadvantaged. To cater to those not covered by this scheme, the Chief Minister Jan Arogya Yojana has allocated financial resources of Rs 59 crore. Officials have been instructed to take the necessary steps to ensure its success," he added.
CM Saha also highlighted the establishment of a dental college in Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) Hospital, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"The dental college has begun teaching with 50 seats this year. Furthermore, a Nursing College has been established on IGM premises, offering students from the state the opportunity to pursue BSc Nursing. Tripura Medical College is also making significant strides in healthcare education and service delivery," he said.
Dr Saha emphasized the government's commitment to inclusivity and transparency. "The government aims to engage with the public, sharing its vision and achievements in healthcare system development. The current budget includes provisions for opening approximately 100 more sub-health centres, and trauma care centres have already been established in various district hospitals, including Shantirbazar, Udaipur, and Ambasa. Initiatives are underway to establish an additional trauma care centre in Dharmanagar, and a Cardiac Care Centre has been launched in Ambasa," he added.
The Chief Minister also addressed various other important issues related to healthcare services during his address.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Chief Secretary JK Sinha, Health Department Secretary Dr Rathore Sandeep Rewaji, Health Department Director Dr Supriya Mallick, Medical Education Director Dr HP Sharma, Family Welfare Department Director Dr Anjan Das, AGMC Principal Dr Anup Kumar Saha, Vice Principal Dr Sanjeev Kumar Debvarma, Medical Superintendent of GBP Dr Shankar Chakraborty, and other distinguished guests.