Tripura is expanding doorstep healthcare through its network of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, with Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha today highlighting their role in providing primary treatment closer to communities while inaugurating six newly constructed health facility buildings across the state.
Key takeaways
- Around 1,110 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are now operational across Tripura, including in remote, tribal and difficult-to-reach areas.
- The centres provide primary healthcare services closer to people and help reduce the need to travel to larger hospitals for routine treatment.
- Tripura is also linking Arogya Mandirs with higher health facilities through teleconsultation and e-Sanjeevani services.
Grassroots healthcare network in Tripura aims to bring primary and specialist services closer to people. Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha said the government is focusing on local health facilities, telemedicine and stronger hospitals across the state.
Saha made the remarks today, on September 24, while inaugurating the newly constructed building of the AD Nagar Urban Polyclinic in Agartala.
MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Dipak Majumder, MLA Meena Rani Sarkar and other dignitaries attended the programme.
Six New Health Facilities Added
The AD Nagar programme also marked the virtual inauguration of five other newly constructed health facility buildings.
They include Radhanagar Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandir, Dhaleswar Satellite Dispensary Ayushman Arogya Mandir, Ujan Abhoynagar Satellite Dispensary Ayushman Arogya Mandir, Jagaharimura Satellite Dispensary Ayushman Arogya Mandir and Ramakrishna Shivalaya Ashram Ayush Ayushman Arogya Mandir.
Saha said such facilities aim to provide healthcare closer to people’s homes. He said patients should not have to travel to major hospitals for basic treatment whenever a nearby facility can meet their needs.
According to the Chief Minister, around 1,110 Arogya Mandirs are now operational across Tripura. The network covers urban areas as well as remote and geographically difficult locations.
Focus on Primary Healthcare
Saha said the government’s main objective is to save patients’ time and make primary healthcare more accessible.
He said the centres can handle common health problems such as fever and cough, minor injuries and malaria treatment. The facilities can also connect patients with specialist doctors where required.
The Chief Minister said community health officers and ASHA workers are supporting the delivery of healthcare services at the grassroots level.
He also stressed the importance of strengthening district and sub-divisional hospitals. Better local facilities, he said, can reduce unnecessary crowding at major hospitals.
Referral Cases Decline
Saha cited a decline in referral cases as an indication of improving healthcare capacity within the state.
He said Tripura recorded 555 referral cases in 2023. The number declined to 495 in 2024 and 366 in 2025. The figure has so far fallen to 161 in 2026, he said.
The Chief Minister said the government is not claiming that the state has achieved complete self-sufficiency in healthcare. Instead, he said efforts are continuing to expand treatment options within Tripura.
He said strengthening district and sub-divisional hospitals would help reduce pressure on AGMC and GBP Hospital.
Telemedicine Expands Specialist Access
The government is also using digital healthcare services to connect patients with specialists.
Saha said e-Sanjeevani is being used to link Arogya centres with specialists at sub-divisional hospitals, district hospitals and GBP Hospital.
He also referred to teleconsultation with specialists from AIIMS. Patient case sheets are shared before consultations so that specialists can review the medical history and ongoing treatment.
The Chief Minister said the system can help patients receive expert advice without travelling long distances.
Advanced Treatment Within Tripura
Saha also highlighted the expansion of advanced medical treatment in the state.
He said nine kidney transplants have already been completed, with the government bearing the treatment expenses. He said both donors and recipients involved in the procedures are doing well.
The government is also working towards introducing heart and other organ transplant facilities, he said.
Saha said around nine super-speciality services have already started in Tripura. He added that three or four more super-speciality services would be introduced.
He also said the state is seeing more students from Tripura returning after completing super-speciality training.
Wider Hospital Infrastructure Push
The Chief Minister said healthcare infrastructure projects are progressing in different parts of the state.
He referred to critical care and communicable disease facilities at AGMC and a 20-bed special ward. Hospital projects are also under way in Khowai and Sepahijala districts, along with sub-divisional hospitals in Jirania, Mohanpur and Udaipur.
The government is also working to increase beds and introduce evening OPD services at district hospitals.
Saha said infrastructure expansion must remain sustainable. New facilities require adequate manpower, equipment and long-term maintenance, he said.
Digital Records and Affordable Care
Saha also highlighted the Integrated Health Management Information System, or IHMIS.
He said the system will reduce paperwork and allow patients to access their previous treatment records through their identification. OPD, IPD, laboratory, pharmacy, diagnosis and billing services will be integrated into the system.
The government is also taking steps to reduce the financial burden on patients and their attendants.
Saha said subsidised food is available for patients’ attendants at AGMC for ₹10. He also referred to the Bharat Mata canteen and accommodation facility, where food would cost ₹10 and accommodation ₹20.
The Chief Minister said the broader objective is to make healthcare accessible, affordable and available closer to people across Tripura.
