Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Tuesday inaugurated the newly constructed building of Agartala Government Nursing College, BR Ambedkar Nursing School and the ANM (R) Training Institute at Durjoynagar in West Tripura district.
Built at a cost of Rs 8.44 crore, the three-storey building is expected to strengthen nursing education and healthcare infrastructure in the state. The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for a new building of the Narsingarh Primary Health Centre during the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Saha said the state government was working to ensure modern and quality healthcare services reach people in both urban and remote areas, particularly children, senior citizens and economically weaker sections.
He said the government had been continuously upgrading healthcare infrastructure and expanding medical services across the state. The number of beds in district hospitals had been increased, while outpatient department (OPD) services had been expanded in the state's referral, district and subdivisional hospitals as well as other healthcare centres.
The Chief Minister said the new building of the Narsingarh Primary Health Centre would be completed soon. He added that the government was implementing various development projects within stipulated timelines, with the objective of improving the quality of life of the people.
Highlighting developments in the health sector, Dr Saha said the government had undertaken the modernisation of major referral hospitals and expanded facilities in dental, eye and homoeopathic medical colleges and hospitals. An Ayurvedic medical college and hospital had also been established as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare services.
He said nursing education opportunities had expanded in the state, with the number of MBBS seats in government and private institutions increasing to 550.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the role of the Chief Minister's Jan Arogya Yojana in improving disease detection. He said more than 3.60 lakh patients had undergone screening in the state in recent years. Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, beneficiaries were receiving healthcare coverage, he added.
Dr Saha further said the government was providing free meals and night-stay facilities at GB Hospital for patients' attendants, reflecting its commitment to ensuring accessible and people-centric healthcare.
Health Department Secretary Kiran Gitte said improvements in healthcare infrastructure had made quality medical services more accessible to people across the state.
West Tripura Zilla Parishad acting chairperson Biswajit Shil, former MLAs Dr Dilip Das and Krishnadhan Das, Director of Health Services Dr Debasree Debbarma, West Tripura District Magistrate (DM) Dr Vishal Kumar and Chief Medical Officer Dr Shankar Chakraborty were among those present at the programme. Jan Arogya Samiti chairperson Sheila Das Sen delivered the vote of thanks.