BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 21st March 2026: The ‘World Oral Health Day 2026’ was observed with due significance at Pragya Bhawan here today, where Dr Manik Saha attended as the Chief Guest and highlighted the importance of precise diagnosis in medical care.
Inaugurating the programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp, the Chief Minister stated that identifying a patient’s specific ailment is the foremost responsibility of a doctor, and only after proper diagnosis should treatment be administered. Addressing members of the medical fraternity, he emphasized that increasing professional experience enhances a doctor’s confidence, while continuous upgradation of knowledge and skills remains essential.
Dr. Saha highlighted the state government’s focused efforts to strengthen the healthcare sector. He informed that targets have been set to improve services at district hospitals in Dharmanagar and Santirbazar. A dedicated maternal and child health unit is also set to be launched at Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital (GB Hospital).
Highlighting ongoing developments, the Chief Minister said that work is in progress to install a Cath Lab in the Super Specialty Block of GB Hospital. He added that five kidney transplants have already been successfully conducted at the hospital, with both donors and recipients in stable condition, and another transplant is scheduled soon. Preparations are also underway to facilitate liver and kidney transplants at the facility.
Dr. Saha noted a significant reduction in the number of patients being referred outside the state for treatment. He also mentioned the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with All India Institute of Medical Sciences to enhance healthcare services, alongside the introduction of tele-consultation facilities.
Further strengthening healthcare infrastructure, new cardiac units have been launched in district hospitals of Dhalai and Gomati, while day-care cancer centres have been established in Dhalai, North Tripura, and Gomati districts. An Integrated Ayushman Hospital has also been commissioned in Sachram.
The Chief Minister further stated that screening programmes are underway to identify HIV/AIDS cases. He expressed concern over rising drug addiction in the state, describing it as a major challenge. To address this, awareness campaigns are being intensified, and sports infrastructure, including football grounds in tribal areas, is being developed to engage youth in positive activities and discourage substance abuse. He pointed out that intravenous drug use remains a major cause of HIV/AIDS transmission.
Among others present at the event were Health Secretary Kiran Gitte, Director of Health Services Dr. Debashree Debroy, Director of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Anjan Das, Director of Medical Education Professor H.P. Sharma, and the Principal of Agartala Government Medical College.
