Congress demands CM’s resignation from health portfolio amid outcry over poor health services in GBP hospital

Opposition Congress on Saturday staged a mass protest in Agartala, voicing strong concern over the deteriorating healthcare services at the state’s premier referral hospital, GBP and Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC).

Led by the Sadar District Congress, the rally began from the Circuit House area and proceeded towards the Directorate of Health in the Gurkhabasti area of the city.

Protesters raised slogans against the BJP-led government, specifically targeting Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, who also holds the Health portfolio. However, a large contingent of state and central paramilitary forces stopped the rally near Aranya Bhavan.

During the demonstration, speaking with the media, Congress spokesperson Amit Hossain criticized the Chief Minister—himself a doctor—for failing to uplift the healthcare system.

“Despite being a medical professional, the Chief Minister has failed to ensure basic treatment for the people. GBP hospital is in a deplorable condition, with patients often dying without proper care,” Hossain claimed.

He alleged that while ministers travel outside the state for treatment, ordinary citizens are left to suffer.

The Congress party announced plans to submit a memorandum to the Director of Health and vowed to continue their agitation until visible improvements are made in the healthcare sector.

Protesters also demanded Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha’s resignation from the Health portfolio, holding him directly responsible for the healthcare crisis.

The protest comes just days after a BJP minister and a Tipra-Motha MLA visited GBP Hospital and AGMC and expressed serious concerns over the hospital’s condition. In response, the Health Department has announced an official inquiry into the situation.