Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha marked World Health Day by announcing a major healthcare initiative. He declared a fund of ₹100 crore for the construction of a state-of-the-art eye hospital in the state. Addressing a gathering in Agartala, he described the new facility as a milestone in Tripura’s journey toward stronger, more inclusive public health infrastructure. The announcement drew applause from health professionals and citizens alike, who welcomed the move as a step toward addressing the long-standing need for advanced ophthalmic care in the region.
Manik Saha, who is a dental surgeon by training, said the new eye hospital would not only provide advanced treatment but also serve as a training and research center. He emphasized that access to quality eye care remains a challenge in many parts of Tripura, particularly in rural and tribal areas. He added that the government intends to close this gap by making specialized care available within the state, so that people no longer need to travel to metro cities for treatment.
During his speech, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare and the role lifestyle choices play in avoiding diseases. He said that as non-communicable diseases continue to rise across the country, it becomes necessary to focus on early diagnosis, health education, and awareness campaigns. He urged people to undergo regular checkups and follow basic wellness habits to preserve their health before problems grow severe.
He also used the occasion to commend healthcare workers in Tripura, particularly those who worked tirelessly during the pandemic and continue to provide vital services across urban and rural zones. He said that with their support, the state has been able to launch successful vaccination drives, health screenings, and awareness programs that reached even the remotest corners of the state.
Officials from the state health department confirmed that the ₹100 crore fund will be used for land acquisition, construction, equipment procurement, and staffing. They said the hospital will include facilities for cataract surgeries, corneal transplants, retina treatment, pediatric ophthalmology, and glaucoma management. The project is expected to begin later this year and will be completed in phases, with the first phase becoming operational by 2027.
Doctors and medical associations across the state welcomed the announcement. Many said that such a facility was long overdue and would relieve the pressure on existing government hospitals, where eye care services remain limited. Experts believe that the hospital could attract specialists from across India and raise the overall standard of care in the Northeast.
CM Saha also linked the initiative to a broader vision of health equity. He said that building new infrastructure was only one part of the plan, and that the government would also invest in creating awareness about eye health through community outreach programs. He revealed that the hospital would have mobile units to conduct camps in rural and border districts, ensuring no one is left behind.
In his closing remarks, he said that his government remains committed to improving all aspects of healthcare. He mentioned upcoming projects in maternal care, digital health records, and telemedicine networks. He called on citizens to become active participants in their health journeys, rather than waiting until illness strikes.
The World Health Day event also included free medical checkups, eye tests, and wellness counseling for hundreds of attendees. Government officials distributed leaflets on nutrition, diabetes control, and eye care practices. Students from nursing and medical colleges participated in street plays and awareness walks, spreading the message of healthy living.
With this announcement, Tripura has taken a significant step forward in strengthening its healthcare infrastructure. As the state celebrates World Health Day, the ₹100 crore commitment not only promises better eye care but also reflects a shift toward preventive and community-centered health policy. The project stands as a testament to the state’s growing focus on health as a pillar of development.
