BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 12th June 2025: In a significant advancement for Tripura’s public healthcare system, Agartala Government Medical College and GB Pant Hospital have successfully performed a rare and highly complex spinal surgery on an 11-year-old boy — the first such operation in the state.
Dr. Sanjib Debbarma, a renowned pediatrician and former Director of the State Health Department, shared details with the media. The boy was admitted to the Pediatric Ward of GB Pant Hospital on March 28, suffering from persistent numbness in his lower body and severe spinal pain that gradually left him bedridden.
“Despite prolonged treatment, his condition deteriorated steadily, eventually leaving him unable to walk or even sleep due to a severe spinal cord deformity. After thorough medical investigation, it was diagnosed as an advanced case of spinal tuberculosis—a rare and life-threatening condition. Immediate anti-TB medication was administered. With coordinated efforts from hospital administration and the Rogi Kalyan Samiti, all preparations for the surgery were completed,” Dr. Debbarma explained.
On June 2, following more than two months of hospitalization, the medical team performed a five-hour, high-risk spinal surgery — a first for Tripura.
Dr. Sidda Reddy, the neurosurgeon who led the operation, said, “The boy’s spine was so severely curved that he couldn’t even sit or lie down comfortably. This was a complex and unprecedented case for us. The successful outcome is a major breakthrough.”
Dr. Shankar Chakraborty, Medical Superintendent of Agartala Government Medical College and GB Pant Hospital, highlighted that all surgical equipment, procedures, and hospital charges were provided free of cost.
“This marks a historic moment for Tripura’s medical sector. Until now, due to the lack of neurosurgical and spinal expertise within the state, such cases had to be referred outside. This successful surgery demonstrates the growing capabilities of our healthcare system,” he said.
The operation was successful, and although it has been only 11 days since the surgery, the boy is already showing encouraging signs of recovery.
