Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr) Manik Saha has called for stronger public awareness campaigns and expanded screening programmes to eliminate hepatitis from the state within the next four years. Addressing the World Hepatitis Day programme in Agartala, he stressed vaccination, scientific treatment and trained healthcare workers as key measures.
Key Takeaways
- Tripura government aims to make the state hepatitis-free within four years through awareness, screening and vaccination.
- CM Dr Manik Saha highlights the need for stronger healthcare training and scientific disease management.
- Health Department plans to expand hepatitis vaccination camps across Tripura.
Tripura Intensifies Fight Against Hepatitis Through Awareness and Vaccination
Agartala: The Tripura government has renewed its commitment to eliminating hepatitis by strengthening public awareness, expanding screening facilities and promoting vaccination across the state. Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha said creating a hepatitis-free Tripura remains a major health priority of the government.
The Chief Minister made the statement while inaugurating the World Hepatitis Day observance programme at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala. The event was organised by the Hepatitis Foundation of Tripura in collaboration with the National Health Mission (NHM) and the Department of Health & Family Welfare.
Prof. (Dr) Manik Saha said protecting the health of citizens remains the primary objective of the state government. He emphasised that continuous awareness drives and wider screening initiatives are essential to control the spread of hepatitis.
He said the government has set a target to build a hepatitis-free Tripura within the next four years.
Awareness and Screening Key to Hepatitis Elimination
Highlighting the global impact of the disease, the Chief Minister said World Hepatitis Day is observed on the birth anniversary of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the Hepatitis-B virus and developed the Hepatitis-B vaccine.
He described hepatitis as a silent killer and said around 300 million people worldwide are currently affected by Hepatitis B and C viruses.
According to the Chief Minister, scientific treatment methods and public awareness are the most effective ways to prevent the spread of hepatitis. He said healthcare workers working at village and town levels need regular training to improve their skills and strengthen disease prevention efforts.
Prof. (Dr) Manik Saha also said vaccination against hepatitis should reach every corner of Tripura. He urged people from all sections of society to cooperate with government initiatives aimed at eliminating the disease.
Health Infrastructure Expansion in Tripura
During the programme, the Chief Minister highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in Tripura.
He said internal referrals from subdivision-level hospitals to district hospitals and from districts to major referral centres have reduced significantly. He added that the state currently has nine super-specialty blocks as part of its healthcare facilities.
The Chief Minister said advanced medical services are now available at Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital, the state’s main referral hospital.
He also announced that the government is planning to establish a new government Homeopathy Medical College in the state. Administrative work for setting up a Medical University in Tripura will begin soon, he said.
According to the Chief Minister, the government is implementing development initiatives in the health sector keeping future generations in mind.
Government Highlights Health Schemes and Vaccination Drive
Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha said vaccination programmes for children and adolescents continue as part of the state’s health awareness initiatives.
He pointed out that the “Sustha Shoishab Sustha Koishore” programme achieved 100 percent success and described it as a milestone for Tripura. He also stated that 100 percent of people are benefiting from the Jan Arogya Yojana.
The Chief Minister said the government has given greater importance to vaccination as part of its strategy to eliminate hepatitis from the state.
He added that collective efforts and coordinated action are necessary to address health challenges effectively.
Health Department Plans More Vaccination Camps
Health Secretary Kiran Gitte, who attended the programme as a guest of honour, said the state government is working to meet the challenge of making Tripura hepatitis-free.
He said the Health Department is focusing on organising more vaccination camps in different parts of the state to improve coverage and awareness.
Dr. Pradip Bhowmik, Director of the Tripura Hepatitis Foundation, delivered a detailed presentation on hepatitis and its impact during the programme.
Other dignitaries present included Saju Vaheed A, Mission Director of National Health Mission, Tripura, and Dr. Debashree Debbarma, Director of the Health Department.
Dibakar Debnath, General Secretary of the Hepatitis Foundation of Tripura, delivered the welcome address, while Dr. N.L. Bhowmik, President of the foundation, proposed the vote of thanks.
During the event, the Chief Minister released a newsletter of the Hepatitis Foundation of Tripura. He also presented prizes to winners of an essay competition organised as part of World Hepatitis Day observance.
