To provide a better power supply and to avoid any untowards incident, Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Wednesday said that the government is planning to lay electricity cables underground across the state.

Dr Saha said this after visiting Netaji Subhash State Homeopathy Hospital in Sadhutila, near the capital, on Wednesday.

The chief minister, who is also health minister, has visited two important hospitals in the state within the span of two days.

“The current government is very serious about revamping the health system of the state. We are working towards making health services more accessible to the people. The government is also planning to open a homeopathy and an Ayurvedic medical college in the state in the coming days,” he said.

He said that plans are underway to build a homeopathic college and administrative block on the 4.33 acre area in the hospital premises.  The Chief Minister also spoke to Senior Architect Sanjiban Dutta about the design.

Later, he said, "We know that there is a state homeopathy hospital here, and we are planning to open a homeopathy college. I have come to assess the overall management of this hospital. Several issues have been identified here. The Secretary and Director of the Health Department are also with me. I also spoke with patients during today's visit. Initiatives will be taken to provide scientific treatment to patients in this hospital. We will explore what more can be done in the future.”

He emphasized that decisions cannot be made solely on paper; they should be based on actual situations.

“About 115 to 120 patients visit this hospital daily. However, we want more people to utilize these services. We will consider how to modernize the hospital. Necessary steps will be taken after addressing all the issues,” said Dr Saha.

He further informed that the state government plans to lay electricity cables underground.

“Electricity cables have already been experimentally laid underground in the Banamalipur area. Gradually, this will be extended to other areas as well. The government is considering this plan. This system has not yet been implemented in all parts of the country. Underground power lines can also help prevent accidents,” he added.

During the visit, the Chief Minister was accompanied by Health Department Secretary Kiran Gitte and other officials.