In an attempt to preserve the historical building of Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) Hospital in Agartala, Chief Minister of Tripura, Dr. Manik Saha directed the health department to undertake retrofitting works on the building of the Hospital.
This initiative aims to ensure the conservation of the hospital’s original structure, aligning it with the preservation efforts seen at Ujjayanta Palace and Pushpabanta Palace.
The heritage building of IGM Hospital has a storied past, dating back to 1873 when Maharaja Bir Chandra Manikya Bahadur established it with just 30 beds.
In the early 1900s, the British Government initiated the construction of grand memorials in Queen Victoria’s name across India, funded by donations from princely rulers.
During that period, the then King of Tripura, Radhakishore Manikya Bahadur, undertook significant renovations of the hospital.
He expanded its capacity to 54 beds for general patients and added 10 beds for those with contagious diseases.
The hospital was subsequently named ‘Victoria Memorial (VM) Hospital,’ with its name proudly inscribed atop the main building. The inauguration of the VM Hospital was done by Sir John Woodburn, the British Lieutenant Governor of Bengal, in 1904.
In 1990, the hospital was renamed ‘Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) Hospital.’
At present, IGM Hospital boasts modern facilities and a capacity of 608 beds.
It serves an average of 1,200 to 1,500 patients daily in its outpatient department.
Beyond providing medical services, IGM Hospital also supports various academic institutions and courses, including the Agartala Government Dental College, Government Nursing College, post-MBBS NBEMS courses, and training programs for paramedical professionals and Community Health Officials.
The renovation of the heritage building is a significant initiative to preserving Tripura’s historical landmark while ensuring that the hospital continues to provide state-of-the-art medical services to the community.
According to the veteran journalists of Agartala, this project not only honors the legacy of the past but also paves the way for a future where history and modernity coexist harmoniously.
(Tripura, Tripura News)
