Agartala, March 5 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, announced on Thursday that the provision of affordable, quality, and modern healthcare services is a key focus for the BJP government. During the inauguration of three significant healthcare facilities at Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital (GBP), he emphasized the state's commitment to enhancing the health system through advanced technology, upgraded infrastructure, and a skilled workforce.

As the Health and Family Welfare Minister, Saha detailed the new facilities, which include a 16-bed Respiratory and Geriatric Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a Trauma Centre Operation Theatre, and a newly established Labour Room-cum-Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBS & Gynae) Operation Theatre Complex.

These services aim to facilitate timely and advanced medical care for patients. The Respiratory and Geriatric ICU, with its state-of-the-art monitoring systems and life-support facilities, will particularly benefit those suffering from severe respiratory issues and age-related ailments.

“This facility will be especially advantageous for our elderly population,” he remarked, noting plans for expanding ICU capacity in the state to more than 320 beds in the near future.

Speaking on the newly operational Trauma Centre Operation Theatre, Saha described it as a pivotal advancement by the Health Department.

“Emergency surgeries can now be performed around the clock, allowing patients to receive immediate attention from neurosurgeons, general surgeons, orthopedic specialists, and other trauma experts,” he stated.

This development is expected to enhance treatment speed and efficacy for victims of accidents and other urgent medical scenarios.

Concerning the Labour Room-cum-OBS and Gynaecology Operation Theatre Complex, he mentioned that the infrastructure has been designed to ensure the safety of both mothers and their newborns.

“This facility will deliver top-notch and secure medical care for expectant mothers and newborns,” said Saha, who has a background in dental surgery.

Highlighting the advancements in the state's healthcare sector, Saha noted that the overall bed capacity at AGMC and GBP Hospital has surged from 727 to 1,413 beds.

He also pointed out ongoing initiatives for the construction of critical care blocks, communicable disease centers, and specialized wards.

Additionally, the state government has initiated telemedicine consultations with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi to broaden access to specialist medical advice.

Efforts to enhance super-specialty medical services are underway, enabling treatment for complex diseases within the state, thus minimizing the necessity for patients to seek care outside of Tripura.

Furthermore, Saha indicated that medical education within the state is expanding, with postgraduate seats increasing to 119.

Ongoing development is also aimed at improving sub-divisional and district hospitals, the dental college, and other healthcare facilities.

The state has initiated kidney transplantation services, with plans for infrastructure development for liver and heart transplants in the future.

Moreover, the government is working on establishing a Tripura Health University.

To enhance the skill set of healthcare professionals, several doctors and nurses have been sent to AIIMS in New Delhi for a three-month training program, which will continue in phases.

The Chief Minister also mentioned various other initiatives in the state’s healthcare sector, including the establishment of new district hospitals in Sepahijala and Khowai, the creation of homeopathy and ayurvedic hospitals, and a proposal for a new medical college at Dhalai District Hospital in Kulai.

Additionally, he referred to the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and the Chief Minister’s health schemes, which offer financial aid for patient treatment.