Tripura’s Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha inaugurated the state-level Intensified Mission Indra Dhanush 5.0 vaccination initiative at the Unakoti Kalakshetra in Kailashahar under the Unakoti district on Saturday.
This program, part of the universal immunization strategy, prioritizes routine immunization for newborns, pregnant women, and adolescents.
Dr. Saha affirmed, “The ongoing state government has accorded paramount importance to routine immunization for safeguarding the health of infants, expectant mothers, and adolescents. Consequently, the nationwide launch of the Intensified Mission Indra Dhanush 5.0 vaccination initiative in August this year aligns with the universal immunization program.”
He reiterated the government’s unrelenting dedication to bolstering the state’s healthcare system during a recent event. He underscored the government’s stance against any assaults on doctors and health personnel while they carry out their duties, citing the potential dire consequences for the overall health infrastructure.
“Acts of violence against doctors and healthcare workers on duty within hospitals or health centers are unequivocally undesirable. Such incidents possess the potential to adversely impact the healthcare system. It is essential to place trust and respect in doctors who consistently strive to offer their utmost in patient care. Likewise, doctors and health workers should extend proper treatment and respect to patients and their families,” asserted Dr. Saha, who also holds the position of Health Minister for the state.
Dr. Saha expressed deep concern over the attacks on healthcare workers, deeming such incidents unacceptable. He underlined that such physical abuse not only affects doctors’ morale but also deters them from taking necessary risks in future patient care. This hesitancy can lead to referrals to other hospitals, causing delays in accessing medical assistance.
In his speech, addressing various crucial health service matters within the state, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for trust in the state government and the health department.
He highlighted that healthcare professionals in Tripura are equally capable as their counterparts in other states.
The Chief Minister stressed that medical practitioners should treat patients and their families with utmost sincerity and care. He praised the dedication of hospital staff, asserting that the state’s healthcare system has made remarkable progress, reducing patient referrals to other states significantly. Dr. Saha said, “Our hospitals now provide improved access to high-quality healthcare services, and doctors remain committed to delivering their best in serving the public.”
Announcing the establishment of dental colleges in the state, the Chief Minister revealed that admissions and education for the 50-seat dental college would commence this year. He also highlighted the inauguration of a government nursing college with 50 seats, adding that the budget has allocated resources to open approximately 100 more primary health centres in the state.
The Chief Minister also discussed the significance of the Maitri Bridge of Sabroom, emphasizing that it will transform the South District into a gateway to South East Asia, opening new avenues for trade.
Regarding the Mission Indra Dhanush 5.0 program, it will be implemented in three phases: August 7-12, September 11-16, and October 9-14.
The program aims to immunize children aged zero to five years and pregnant women across all districts of the state, ultimately working toward the eradication of measles and rubella from the region.
Distinguished guests at the event included Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy, ARDD Minister Sudhangshu Das, Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Department Dr. Debashis Basu, Director of National Health Mission Subhashis Das, and Unakoti District Magistrate Tarit Kanti Chakma.