Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday announced that the Tripura government has placed top priority on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to quality medical services across the state.
Speaking at a press conference held at Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital, the Chief Minister said the government will soon establish a new super speciality hospital in Hapania, on the outskirts of Agartala. He described the announcement as a proud moment for Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and GB Pant Hospital, which together serve the healthcare needs of nearly 4.2 million people in Tripura.
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Major Healthcare Expansion Underway
Highlighting recent developments, Dr. Saha said the state government has taken several steps to improve hospital facilities and critical care services.
Currently, GB Pant Hospital has 24 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) beds and 116 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds. The government now plans to expand ICU capacity to 320 beds based on recommendations from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
In addition, authorities have already inaugurated several new facilities at the hospital. These include a 16-bed Respiratory and Geriatric ICU, a Trauma Centre Operation Theatre, and a newly renovated labour room designed to improve maternal and newborn care.
“We are working to provide facilities at an international level. Our goal is to ensure better care for mothers, newborns, and critically ill patients,” the Chief Minister said.
GB Pant Hospital Undergoing Major Upgrade
Dr. Saha, who also holds the Health portfolio in the state government, said GB Pant Hospital, one of the oldest medical institutions in Tripura, is undergoing significant modernisation.
Authorities have already increased the hospital’s bed capacity from 727 beds to 1,413 beds, and further expansion work is currently underway.
At the same time, construction has begun on a critical care and communicable disease centre to strengthen the state’s ability to handle health emergencies and infectious disease outbreaks.
The government also plans to introduce five additional super speciality departments, which will allow patients to access advanced treatment within the state instead of travelling outside for specialised care.
Focus on Medical Education and Telemedicine
Alongside infrastructure development, the state government is also focusing on strengthening medical education.
Dr. Saha said the administration is working to increase MBBS seats at medical colleges to address the shortage of doctors in the state.
The government has also expanded telemedicine services in collaboration with AIIMS, allowing patients in remote and rural areas to consult specialists without travelling long distances.
According to officials, the initiative aims to bridge healthcare gaps in interior parts of the state and ensure timely medical consultations.
Private Hospitals to Boost Healthcare Services
The Chief Minister also revealed that private healthcare providers are joining the state’s efforts to strengthen medical infrastructure.
Two major healthcare groups—Shija Hospitals and Research Institute and GNRC Hospitals in Guwahati—are preparing to establish hospitals in the Hapania area.
Their entry is expected to expand treatment options and bring advanced healthcare services closer to residents of Tripura.
New District Hospitals Planned
In addition to the super speciality hospital in Hapania, the state government plans to build two new district hospitals in Sepahijala District and Khowai District.
Officials believe these hospitals will significantly improve healthcare accessibility in the districts and reduce the burden on major medical institutions in Agartala.
Vision for Affordable, Advanced Healthcare
Chief Minister Manik Saha emphasised that the government aims to deliver modern healthcare services while keeping treatment affordable for ordinary citizens.
“Our vision is to provide corporate-style healthcare services without placing a heavy financial burden on patients,” he said.
He added that the government remains committed to building a strong healthcare system that ensures accessible, advanced, and affordable medical care for every resident of Tripura.