By TC News Desk
Agartala, 4th November 2024: Tripura Santiniketan Medical College has become a focal point of attraction since its inception, drawing students not only from Tripura but from other states as well. Located near Agartala, this newly established medical college has increased opportunities for medical studies in the region and the country.
The college, situated at Rani Khamar on the outskirts of Agartala, was established with the state government’s support, and the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGM) serves as its affiliated teaching hospital. The MBBS course, with 150 seats, commenced this academic year, 2024-25, after receiving the necessary approval from the National Medical Commission (NMC). The admission process, supervised by the NMC and backed by the state government, is currently underway and is expected to conclude by November 5.
The establishment of Tripura Santiniketan Medical College is being hailed as a significant change in the state’s educational landscape. Local MLA and Deputy Speaker of the Tripura Legislative Assembly, Ramprasad Pal, remarked, “Many of my acquaintances’ sons and daughters have gone to different states, especially southern states, to study medicine. Today, they are inquiring about medical education in Tripura, particularly at Tripura Santiniketan Medical College. This is a big change that didn’t happen until last year.”
Admission agents from within and outside the state have been flocking to Agartala with prospective students, highlighting the growing interest in the college. Dr. Malay Pit, President of Tripura Santiniketan Medical College, expressed his dismay over criticism faced by the institution. “What mistake did we commit? We started this institution with government permission, and the fee structures are based on all-India standards,” he stated.
Dr. Pit emphasized the institution’s commitment to quality education. “We are not willing to compromise on the quality of education. By live-streaming all MBBS classes online, parents can be assured of the class quality, and students can revisit the lectures to reinforce their understanding. This is a landmark step in MBBS studies in the country.”
The college has already started its Outpatient Department (OPD) services since August, with specialist doctors seeing patients for only ten rupees. Dr. Pit highlighted the future plans, “We aim to construct a 650-bed hospital within the next year and a 1100-bed multi-super specialty hospital within the next two years with state government support. Additionally, a state-of-the-art Digital University and ‘Tripura Knowledge City’ are in the pipeline. We will also introduce diploma and degree courses in horticulture by 2025.”
Dr. Pit also mentioned the economic benefits, “Within two years, patients from various parts of the country will come for treatment, which is a positive sign. At least 10 major organizations have already shown interest in investing to boost the rural economy.”
In response to queries about the fee structure, Dr. Pit stated, “The MBBS course fee is Rs 90 lakh per year. Around 20-25 percent of patients will receive free treatment. We offer a 65 percent discount on generic medicines and a 15-20 percent discount on non-generic medicines.”
