Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Saturday said that the government is committed to enhancing the state's health system.

He said, the government will not tolerate attack on doctors and health workers while they are on duty as such incidents can have severe repercussions on the overall health infrastructure.

"Attacks on doctors and health workers on duty in hospitals or health centers are never desirable. Such incidents can adversely affect the health system. Doctors should be trusted and respected, as they always strive to give their best in the service of patients. Similarly, doctors and health workers should treat patients and their families properly and with respect," said Dr. Saha, who is also the Health Minister of the state.

Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Saturday  inaugurated the state-level Intensified Mission Indra Dhanush 5.0 vaccination program at Unakoti Kalakshetra in Kailashahar under the Unakoti district.

 “The present state government has given priority to the routine immunization program for the health protection of newborn children, pregnant women, and adolescents. Therefore, the Intensified Mission Indra Dhanush 5.0 vaccination program was launched across the country in August this year as part of the universal immunization program,” he said.

 The Chief Minister highlighted various important issues, including medical services in the state.

"People must maintain faith in the state government and the health department. Doctors and health workers in the state are equally competent as those in other states. It is deeply distressing to witness attacks on doctors and health workers in hospitals or health centers; such incidents are unacceptable under any circumstances. Physical abuse not only affects the morale of doctors but also makes them hesitant to take risks while treating patients in the future. As a result, seriously ill patients are sometimes referred to other hospitals, causing significant delays in accessing medical services," he said.

The Chief Minister emphasized that doctors and health workers should treat patients and their family members with utmost sincerity and care.

“Hospital staff, including doctors, deserves respect for their dedicated service. The state's health system has made tremendous progress compared to the past, and the number of patient referrals to other states has significantly decreased. Our hospitals now provide access to better quality health services, and doctors are committed to giving their best in serving the people," Dr. Saha said.

The Chief Minister also announced the establishment of dental colleges in the state. Starting from this year, the admission and teaching of students in the dental college, which has 50 seats, will commence.

“Apart from this, a government nursing college with 50 seats has been inaugurated recently”, he said adding that in this year's budget, financial resources have been provided to open about 100 more primary health centers in the state.

On the occasion, Chief Minister stated that the Maitri Bridge of Sabroom, when opened, will make the South District of the state a gateway to South East Asia. He emphasized that this bridge will create new business opportunities for traders, facilitating direct trade access to any part of India through Chittagong port.

Regarding the Mission Indra Dhanush 5.0 program, it will be implemented in three phases. The first phase is scheduled to run from August 7 to August 12, followed by the second phase from September 11 to September 16, and the third phase from October 9 to October 14.

“The program aims to ensure immunization for children aged zero to five years and pregnant women in all districts of the state, with the ultimate goal of eradicating measles-rubella from the region”, the Chief Minister added.

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, Unakoti District Magistrate Tarit Kanti Chakma and other prominent persons were present as distinguished guests on the occasion.