Agartala, India – In a bold move to transform Tripura’s healthcare landscape, Chief Minister Manik Saha announced on Saturday that the state government is advancing efforts to create a robust medical hub, aiming for self-sufficiency in healthcare services. Speaking at the 18th annual state conference of the Association of Surgeons of India (Tripura Chapter), Saha emphasized the state’s commitment to upgrading healthcare infrastructure, with multiple new projects and a strengthened medical workforce aimed at making quality healthcare accessible within Tripura.

Key Focus on Healthcare Infrastructure and Accessibility

The Chief Minister outlined a multi-pronged strategy to strengthen healthcare facilities across the state. The government has prioritized constructing high-quality hospitals, bolstering medical education, and building a resilient healthcare workforce. Currently, Tripura has two government medical colleges, with plans to establish additional medical institutions, including a new private medical college in Ambassa, Dhalai district, further expanding healthcare capacity and educational opportunities. These measures are expected to reduce the need for patients to seek treatment outside Tripura, a significant change from previous years when advanced procedures were often inaccessible locally.

Expansion of Medical Staff and Specializations

Chief Minister Saha highlighted the state’s goal to attract and retain specialists and super-specialists, building on guidance from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This development marks a historic shift, as such advanced medical care was once out of reach for the region. Increased funding has been directed towards recruiting skilled professionals and providing state-of-the-art medical equipment, allowing doctors to perform complex procedures locally.

Ongoing Initiatives for Rural and Urban Health Services

Saha also revealed that Tripura’s healthcare sector is undergoing a substantial transformation in both urban and rural areas. Plans include establishing 100 new health sub-centers across the state and expanding trauma care facilities, ensuring quick medical response for emergencies, particularly in regions prone to accidents. Additionally, the state’s largest referral hospital has seen a 200% increase in bed capacity, making it better equipped to handle a growing patient population. Furthermore, six primary health centers have been upgraded with new buildings and advanced medical services, enhancing community healthcare delivery.

Building a Self-Reliant Healthcare Ecosystem

With the vision to make Tripura self-reliant in healthcare, the Chief Minister underscored ongoing efforts to improve the health sector by aligning with national health programs. For instance, Tripura is set to introduce its own Jan Arogya Yojana, modeled after the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). This scheme will extend health insurance coverage to all segments of the state’s population, enhancing the affordability and accessibility of healthcare for all residents.

Through these initiatives, Tripura aims to become a comprehensive medical hub that not only meets the state’s healthcare needs but also fosters medical tourism, with facilities and services on par with those found in larger cities across India.