Tripura is set to witness a milestone in its healthcare and education sectors with the state government planning to establish a homeopathy medical college. Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha announced this initiative during a public event in Agartala on Friday, April 11. He emphasized that the proposed college would not only enhance traditional medicine education but also contribute meaningfully to the state’s healthcare ecosystem.
The Chief Minister stated that the institution would pave the way for young aspirants interested in alternative medicine. He pointed out that homeopathy remains widely practiced in rural pockets of Tripura, often becoming the first point of care for many underprivileged families. By formalizing education in homeopathy, the government aims to create more qualified practitioners who can serve both urban and rural communities with equal efficiency.
Dr. Saha said that the upcoming institution would be equipped with modern facilities while staying rooted in the principles of classical homeopathy. He expressed optimism that it would open new employment opportunities and foster medical research in traditional healthcare. The state government has already identified land for the construction, and discussions are underway with the Ministry of AYUSH for funding and academic support.
The Chief Minister recalled the long-standing reliance on traditional and alternative medicine in the state. He explained that this initiative ties into the broader vision of making Tripura a model state in healthcare delivery. He added that promoting homeopathy aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to integrating AYUSH systems into the national healthcare structure.
Officials from the Health and Family Welfare Department welcomed the move. They revealed that the department had been preparing detailed project reports for several months. They also shared that the college would initially offer undergraduate courses in homeopathy and later expand into postgraduate and research programs. They assured that the curriculum would maintain the standards set by the Central Council of Homoeopathy and the National Commission for Homoeopathy.
Residents and healthcare workers have responded with enthusiasm. Many local practitioners believe that the college would help bring credibility to homeopathy, which often faces skepticism. They added that the availability of formally trained homeopaths could also improve patient outcomes, especially in districts where access to allopathic healthcare remains limited.
Tripura’s government has been making visible strides in boosting its healthcare infrastructure over the past few years. Dr. Saha, who is himself a dental surgeon by profession, has shown particular interest in integrating traditional healing systems into the mainstream. Under his leadership, several wellness centers promoting AYUSH therapies have opened across the state. He reiterated his belief that modern and traditional medicine should complement one another to deliver holistic care.
Political observers say that the announcement could serve a dual purpose. It not only bolsters the Chief Minister’s development narrative but also caters to the public’s growing interest in affordable, side-effect-free treatment options. They noted that Tripura’s move could inspire other northeastern states to invest in AYUSH education and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, students aspiring to study medicine welcomed the plan, calling it a much-needed alternative for those unable to secure seats in conventional medical colleges. Parents also expressed relief that their children might get quality education in homeopathy without having to leave the state or bear exorbitant fees charged by private colleges elsewhere.
Dr. Saha concluded by asserting that this initiative reflects the state’s dedication to inclusive growth. He confirmed that the college would reserve seats for students from economically weaker backgrounds and tribal communities. He reiterated that healthcare should remain accessible to all, irrespective of geography or income.
As Tripura prepares to lay the foundation stone for its first homeopathy medical college, the initiative holds promise not just for the present generation of students and practitioners, but for the future of alternative medicine in the region.