In a major initiative aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure and patient comfort, the Tripura government has begun work to install a **central air-conditioning system** across the entire medical block of **Govind Ballabh Pant (GBP) Hospital** in Agartala. The move has been undertaken under the direction of **Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha**.
At the same time, the hospital administration has decided to **relocate the Central Laboratory** to the **old labour room** within the hospital premises to make diagnostic services more accessible and convenient for patients and their attendants.
Responding to media queries regarding patients being treated on the floor in some cases and the shortage of electric fans in parts of the medical unit, **Medical Superintendent Dr. Bidhan Goswami** said the Public Works Department (PWD) has been entrusted with the installation of the central AC system.
He explained that construction work is currently underway in several sections of the medical block, limiting the hospital’s ability to accommodate patients in certain areas due to safety concerns. As a result, temporary inconveniences are being experienced.
“The work is progressing, though at a slower pace than expected. We recently reviewed the project with the PWD, and officials have assured us that the installation work will be completed within the next three months. Once the project is finished, many of the existing problems will be resolved,” Dr. Goswami said.
Speaking separately, **AGMC Principal Prof. (Dr.) Tapan Majumder** said the hospital authorities have decided to shift the Central Laboratory after receiving repeated feedback from patients and their families regarding the difficulty of accessing its present location.
He said relocating the laboratory to the old labour room would significantly improve convenience, especially for attendants who need to collect blood samples and reports.
According to Dr. Majumder, the relocation was delayed because of financial issues affecting the execution of the project by the PWD. However, the required financial sanction has now been received, and the work is expected to be completed within this month.
The initiatives are part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to modernise healthcare facilities at GBP Hospital, improve patient services and create a more comfortable environment for both patients and their caregivers.
