Agartala — Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Thursday attended a blood donation camp at the Agartala Government Nursing College, IGM Hospital, where he highlighted the significant strides made in Tripura’s healthcare sector under the BJP-led government.
Addressing the gathering at the Florence Nightingale Auditorium, Dr. Saha said that residents of Tripura no longer need to travel outside the state for advanced medical treatment. He cited the upcoming Rs 250 crore super-speciality block at Govind Ballabh Pant (GB) Hospital, which is being developed on corporate lines, as a major milestone in strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
The chief minister noted that inspectors visiting the state’s Dental College often praise its facilities, remarking that similar standards are not available even in many institutions elsewhere in the country. He further announced that the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has approved a dedicated Mother and Child unit at IGM Hospital, with construction already underway. In addition, a 100-bed tertiary eye hospital will soon be established near ILS Hospital and attached to Agartala Government Medical College, ensuring advanced eye care within the state.
Dr. Saha also revealed that Rs 75 crore has been sanctioned for each of the proposed Homeopathic and Ayurvedic colleges, with land already identified, underscoring the government’s commitment to expanding medical education and alternative healthcare systems.
Beyond health, the chief minister announced a heritage five-star hotel project in collaboration with the TATA group at the historic Pushpavanta Palace site. The project is expected to boost tourism, generate around 200 direct jobs, and be supported by the construction of four new flyovers to ease traffic congestion in Agartala.
On employment, Dr. Saha highlighted the introduction of the PRTC system to ensure priority for local candidates in government jobs, while criticising the opposition for spreading misinformation. He also referred to the issue of 10,323 terminated teachers, blaming previous governments for their predicament.
Touching on tribal development, he credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for empowering tribal communities, noting national-level recognition of tribal leaders and Padma Shri awards to individuals from Tripura.
Concluding his address, Dr. Saha thanked blood donors, stressing that blood knows no caste or religion, and urged citizens to donate regularly to ensure no patient suffers due to shortages.
