Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Tuesday said that the state government is fully committed to the development of medical services and the enhancement of overall healthcare infrastructure in the state, and in line with this commitment, the government has significantly increased the budget allocation for the health sector.

“In the budget, Rs 1756 crores have been allocated to the health sector this time. Financial resources have been earmarked in the budget to construct approximately 100 new Health Sub-Centers. Currently, there are two medical colleges in the state, and an MoU has been signed to establish another private medical college at Ambassa in the Dhalai district. Overall, the government aims to develop Tripura as a health hub," said Dr Saha.

Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha made these remarks while inaugurating the Agartala Government Nursing College at IGM Hospital Complex in Agartala on Tuesday.

“We recognize that health is wealth. With this objective in mind, the state government is diligently working towards improving the health infrastructure. Currently, there are two medical colleges and hospitals in the state. The process of establishing another private medical college is underway. Admissions for students and classes will commence in the dental college this year. Furthermore, the Nursing College was inaugurated on the IGM premises. These developments are transforming Tripura into a hub for healthcare," said Dr Saha.

The Chief Minister also highlighted that previously, students had to go outside the state for medical studies, but now they have the opportunity to pursue their education within the state.

“Acquiring a seat in B.Sc Nursing was a significant challenge. Going forward, there may be opportunities for students to pursue M.Sc Nursing from this nursing college. It will benefit the students as well as their parents. The state government and the health department are actively working in that direction," Dr Saha stated.

The dental college will have a capacity of 50 students, and similarly, the Nursing College will offer 50 seats. Additionally, in FY 2023-24, the ANM Training Institute in the Gomati district will be transformed into GNM with a capacity of 40 seats.

 The Chief Minister said that the Post Graduate seats have been increased from 25 to 79 seats in AGMC.

"Medical colleges in this state are on par with colleges outside of the state. The state government is continually making efforts to further develop the medical infrastructure. In addition to this, other facilities, including space allocation for patients in hospitals, have been given considerable attention. The state government has successfully upgraded three community health centers in Panisagar, Kumarghat, and Karbook to sub-division hospitals. Additionally, trauma care centers have been established in South District, Dhalai District, and Gomati District Hospitals. These centers have significantly improved the provision of prompt medical services to individuals injured in road accidents and other incidents. Recently, a new building has been constructed at Longtorai Valley Sub-Divisional Hospital, further enhancing healthcare facilities in the region. Furthermore, multiple primary health centers have been upgraded to CHCs, and six primary health centers received newly inaugurated buildings to provide better healthcare services to the community," stated Dr Saha, who serves as the Health Minister of the state.

Chief Minister further informed that infrastructure is being developed to set up a trauma center in Dharmanagar.

“In this year's budget, sufficient financial allocation has been kept for infrastructure development because without infrastructure development it is not possible to attract investors. This year's budget has announced the construction of about 100 new Health Sub-Centers. Rs 55 crores have been allocated for setting up infectious disease treatment centers. Along with this, an initiative has been taken to set up 50-bed de-addiction centers in 8 districts of the state”, he said.

The chief minister also said that the teachers of this nursing college should also be more careful in teaching the students. Students should give their best so that students can say with pride after passing this institution.

Dr. Debashis Basu, Secretary of the Health Department, Director of Medical Education Prof. HP Sharma, Director of Family Welfare and Disease Prevention Department Dr. Supriya Mallick, Medical Superintendent of AGMC Dr. Shankar Chakraborty, Principal of Nursing College Dr. Maitri Chowdhury and others were present as distinguished guests in the event.