Agartala, Aug. 1:** Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Saturday announced that the proposed **Tripura University of Health Sciences** will soon become operational, with the advertisement for the appointment of its Vice-Chancellor to be issued shortly. He informed that the bill for establishing the Health University has already been passed by the Tripura Legislative Assembly, marking a major step towards strengthening medical education and healthcare in the state.
Speaking at the foundation day celebration of **Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC)** and **Govinda Ballabh Pant (GBP) Hospital**, Dr. Saha emphasized the need for healthcare professionals to adopt modern technologies and innovative practices to further improve the quality of healthcare services. He also highlighted the state’s achievements in the health sector and the introduction of several new medical facilities over the past few years.
Describing AGMC and GBP Hospital as institutions that represent not only healthcare but also education, research, and humanitarian service, the Chief Minister said they have earned a distinguished reputation across the Northeast. He stressed the importance of developing modern infrastructure at GBP Hospital to meet the growing healthcare needs of the people.
Dr. Saha noted that the number of patients being referred outside Tripura for advanced treatment has declined by nearly **80 per cent** in recent years. He attributed this remarkable improvement to the dedication of doctors, healthcare workers, and the continuous enhancement of medical facilities within the state.
Congratulating doctors, hospital authorities, medical staff, and students on the institution’s foundation day, the Chief Minister praised their contribution to strengthening Tripura’s healthcare system. Outstanding medical students were felicitated with awards in recognition of their academic excellence.
A key highlight of the programme was the signing of a **Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)** between AGMC and **Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Viveknagar**, aimed at promoting collaboration in education, service activities, and holistic human development. The agreement was signed by **Swami Subhakarananda Maharaj** and **Prof. (Dr.) Tapan Majumdar**, Principal of AGMC.
During the event, the **All Tripura Government Doctors Association (ATGDA)** donated **Rs. 1 lakh** to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund of Assam to support flood-affected people. The programme was attended by **Mina Rani Sarkar**, Health Secretary **Kiran Gitte**, NHM Mission Director **Saju Vaheed A**, Swami Subhakarananda Maharaj, and other senior Health Department officials.
