Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to transforming Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and Govind Ballabh Pant (GBP) Hospital into one of the leading centres for medical education, research and super-speciality healthcare in Northeast India. Speaking at the 22nd Foundation Day celebration of AGMC and GBP Hospital, the Chief Minister outlined an ambitious roadmap focused on expanding medical education, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, promoting research and introducing advanced clinical services to position Tripura as a regional healthcare destination.

Dr. Saha, who also holds the Health portfolio, said the state has made significant progress in medical education over the past few years. The number of MBBS seats in government medical colleges has increased substantially, while postgraduate medical education, dental education and specialised courses have also expanded. He added that the government is fast-tracking the establishment of an independent Health University, which will further strengthen medical education, research and the development of skilled healthcare professionals in the state.

Highlighting improvements in healthcare delivery, the Chief Minister said AGMC and GBP Hospital have witnessed remarkable growth in advanced medical services. The state has already completed nine successful kidney transplant surgeries and is now working towards introducing liver and heart transplant programmes in the coming years. He noted that the availability of advanced technologies and specialist expertise has significantly reduced the number of patients being referred outside Tripura for complex treatments, enabling residents to access quality tertiary care within the state itself.

As part of the event, AGMC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ramakrishna Mission, Viveknagar, under which the Mission’s ‘Niramaya’ Medical Service Unit will function as an additional Urban Health Training Centre. The collaboration is expected to strengthen community-based medical education, public health services and clinical training for undergraduate and postgraduate students. The state government also highlighted ongoing investments in hospital infrastructure, digital healthcare systems, trauma care, critical care services and patient welfare initiatives to enhance the quality of healthcare delivery.

Established in 2005, Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) is affiliated with Tripura University and recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC). The institution currently admits 150 MBBS students annually and offers 79 postgraduate seats across multiple specialties. Attached to the GBP Hospital, AGMC serves as Tripura’s premier tertiary care and teaching institution, catering to patients from across the state and neighbouring northeastern regions.

Healthcare experts believe the government’s continued investment in AGMC and GBP Hospital will significantly strengthen Tripura’s healthcare ecosystem, reduce patient referrals outside the state and improve access to advanced medical services. With ongoing expansion in medical education, transplant programmes, research infrastructure and digital healthcare, the institutions are expected to emerge as one of the leading medical hubs in Northeast India, supporting the region’s growing demand for quality healthcare and specialised treatment.