Agartala, October 14: Tripura Chief Minister and Health Minister Manik Saha emphasized the state’s healthcare advancements on Monday during the 64th foundation day celebrations of GBP Hospital in Agartala, the state’s premier referral hospital.
Addressing the gathering, Saha highlighted the significant improvements in Tripura’s health infrastructure, including the introduction of super-specialty services and the establishment of medical colleges.
He stressed the importance of attracting private investment in the healthcare sector to build Tripura into a healthcare hub for the region and neighboring Bangladesh.
“Of the nine super-specialty departments planned for GBP Hospital, five are already operational, and by December, the remaining will be launched,” Saha announced.
He also mentioned that many local doctors, who have completed advanced studies in various fields, are keen to join the hospital, thanks to the conducive work environment and the state-of-the-art medical equipment available.
The Chief Minister expressed his commitment to ensuring that patients no longer have to seek expensive treatment outside the state. “We are focused on enhancing government healthcare facilities in Tripura and encouraging the establishment of private hospitals with super-specialty departments to complement the government’s efforts,” he added.
Saha praised GBP Hospital as a “place of confidence” for patients but acknowledged the need for further improvements. “To boost public trust even more, we must continue expanding advanced treatment options and super-specialty services.”
Reflecting on the hospital’s history, Saha recalled its establishment on October 14, 1961, as the state’s second hospital after VM Hospital (now IGM Hospital).
Having served as a dental surgeon at GBP Hospital early in his career, Saha described the “revolutionary” changes in its infrastructure over the years.
He also highlighted the hospital’s role during key crisis, including the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and the COVID-19 pandemic, crediting the dedicated doctors, paramedics, nurses, and other staff.
Saha noted that the establishment of medical and dental colleges in Tripura was once unimaginable but has now become a reality.
He welcomed the growing interest from investors in setting up private medical, dental, ayurvedic, and homeopathic colleges in the state, signaling a new era for Tripura’s healthcare sector.
