Chief Minister of Tripura, Professor Dr. Manik Saha, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding quality healthcare to all corners of the state. Speaking at the inauguration of the 18th biennial state conference of the Tripura State Chapter of the Association of Surgeons of India (ASI), held at the KLS Auditorium of Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC), the Chief Minister highlighted the strides taken by both the central and state governments in safeguarding public health and improving healthcare accessibility.
In his address, Dr Saha emphasized that ensuring quality healthcare is a top priority for the state, with a focus on providing essential medical services even in the most remote areas.
“Our goal is to reduce the need for patients to seek treatment outside the state by enhancing healthcare infrastructure and increasing the availability of specialized treatments in Tripura,” he remarked. His speech underscored the impact of recent initiatives, which have led to a decline in out-of-state referrals, suggesting a growing confidence in the state’s healthcare capabilities.
Dr. Saha noted that Tripura’s healthcare sector has experienced transformative changes in recent years. New specialty services are now available in the state, and multiple large organizations from outside the region have shown interest in investing in Tripura’s medical sector. This positive investment climate, he explained, is largely due to the state’s stable governance and effective law and order, which have facilitated a favorable environment for healthcare development.
“Eight major organizations are now considering investments, which will enable us to enhance services across all levels of healthcare,” Dr. Saha announced, indicating the potential for private-sector support to complement the government’s healthcare goals.
Among the notable achievements, Dr. Saha highlighted the state’s successful completion of kidney transplants, a milestone for Tripura’s healthcare sector. Plans for introducing liver transplantation services are also underway, aligning with the state’s objective to provide comprehensive medical services locally.
The Chief Minister emphasized that expanding the availability of specialist doctors and medical personnel is a key component of the government’s strategy, along with improvements in healthcare infrastructure.
During the conference, Dr. Saha also lauded the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and the Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Yojana for their roles in expanding access to affordable healthcare for the state’s residents.
He expressed his appreciation for the work undertaken by the Tripura Chapter of the Association of Surgeons of India and encouraged the organization to sustain its efforts for the public’s welfare.
The event included the release of a souvenir by the Chief Minister, honoring the contributions of healthcare professionals in the state. In a special recognition, veteran physician Dr. Amarendra Debbarma was felicitated, celebrating his long-standing service and dedication to the field.
Distinguished attendees included Health Secretary Kiran Gitte, AGMC Principal Dr. Anup Kumar Saha, Director of Health Dr. Sanjib Debbarma, and several prominent medical professionals.
The conference also featured remarks from Dr. Damodar Chatterjee, Chairman of the Conference Organizing Committee, and ASI Tripura Chapter president Dr. Sunil Kumar Ghosh, who opened the session with a welcome address. Renowned surgeon Dr. G Siddheshwar also delivered a keynote, sharing his expertise with the attendees.
(Tripura, Northeast)
