Agartala, June 26: The Tripura government will commence operations at the newly constructed Agartala Civil Hospital near Jackson Gate from next month as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, expand medical services and improve access to treatment across the state.
Announcing the development during a press conference at the State Secretariat, Health Secretary Kiran Gitte said the new hospital represents a significant addition to Tripura’s public healthcare system and forms part of a broader strategy to address infrastructure gaps and shortages of medical personnel.
Gitte also informed that Chief Minister Manik Saha has laid the foundation stone for the new Sepahijala District Hospital. The facility, spread across nearly 14 acres and being built at an estimated cost of ₹46 crore, is expected to substantially improve healthcare services in the 15-year-old district.
He said infrastructure upgradation is also underway at the sub-divisional hospitals in Jirania, Mohanpur and Jampuijala, as well as at Gomati District Hospital. In addition, preparations have begun for the construction of a new district hospital in Dharmanagar in North Tripura.
To strengthen healthcare manpower, the Health Secretary said the government has recruited 214 doctors, of whom 160 have already joined duty. Recruitment of another 40 doctors from the waiting list has also been initiated, while the Finance Department has approved further appointments of medical professionals.
Highlighting improvements in healthcare delivery, Gitte said referrals of patients to hospitals outside Tripura have declined by nearly 80 per cent, attributing the reduction to enhanced treatment facilities within the state. Referring to the shortage of radiologists at Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and Govind Ballabh Pant (GBP) Hospital, he said the government plans to introduce tele-radiology services to bridge the gap.
The upcoming Agartala Civil Hospital will operate in two shifts, and the government is also considering implementing a similar two-shift system in selected departments of GBP Hospital and Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) Hospital to reduce patient waiting time and improve access to medical care.
National Health Mission Director Saju Wahid said the state is making steady progress towards eliminating tuberculosis by strengthening the detection, treatment and monitoring of TB cases across Tripura.
Health Department Director Dr Debasri Debbarma and GBP Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Bidhan Goswami were also present at the press conference.
