Marking the 66th foundation day of the Govind Ballabh Pant (GBP) Hospital in Agartala, the Tripura government on Wednesday inaugurated a series of advanced healthcare facilities aimed at strengthening the state's public health infrastructure.
Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha launched a new Cath Lab, a 12-bed Post-Operative Surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU), an Integrated Service Laboratory, a 14-bed Medicine ICU, and a Central Sterile Service Department. He also virtually inaugurated another 14-bed ICU in the hospital's Medicine Block.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the government is committed to modernizing healthcare services and expanding medical infrastructure to provide better treatment facilities for the people. He noted that the Integrated Service Laboratory was established at a cost of Rs 3.50 crore, while the Surgical ICU and Medicine ICU were developed with Rs 3.70 crore in financial assistance from HDFC. The corporate body has also provided an additional Rs 1.50 crore to further enhance treatment facilities.
Dr. Saha said the bed strength of GBP Hospital has increased from 727 to 1,413, with plans to add another 100 beds in the near future. He also highlighted the expansion of medical education in the state, stating that MBBS seats at Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) have been increased to 250. He added that institutions for dental, Ayurvedic and Homeopathic education are being established, while the Tripura State Health University Bill has already been passed by the State Assembly.
The Chief Minister urged doctors, nurses and healthcare workers to maintain compassionate behaviour towards patients, ensure cleanliness in hospital premises, and properly maintain medical equipment. He stressed that public confidence in government healthcare institutions can be strengthened through accurate diagnosis, advanced treatment and sincere service.
Health Secretary Kiran Gitte informed that over the past two years, ₹160 crore has been sanctioned through the National Health Mission (NHM) and SASCI for the development of health infrastructure and procurement of medical equipment. He said the number of teaching doctors at AGMC has been increased to 630, while nearly 94 per cent of healthcare services in the state have been digitized. Aadhaar linking of treatment records of around 36 lakh people is also underway.
The programme began with a welcome address by GBP Hospital Superintendent Dr. Bidhan Goswami. Among those present were MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, Additional Secretary of the Health Department Saju Vaheed A., Director of Health Services Dr. Debashree Debbarma, AGMC Principal Dr. Tapan Majumder and other senior officials. Dr. Shankar Chakraborty and Nurse Krishna Majumder were felicitated for their outstanding service, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Kanak Chowdhury.