By Firstdespatch Desk Aug 01, 2026
Agartala, Aug 1 (FD) Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and Govind Ballabh Pant (GBP) Hospital have evolved into one of Northeast India's leading centres for medical education, research and super-speciality healthcare, with the Tripura government committed to transforming the institution into a centre of excellence through sustained investments in infrastructure, technology and human resource development, Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha said on Saturday.
Addressing the 22nd Foundation Day celebration of AGMC and GBP Hospital at the KLS Auditorium, the Chief Minister described the institution as much more than a healthcare facility, calling it "a pilgrimage of humanity, knowledge, research and compassion."
"AGMC and GBP Hospital are not only providing quality healthcare but have also earned a strong reputation across the Northeast. The remarkable reduction of nearly 80 per cent in patient referrals outside the state over the past few years reflects the collective efforts, dedication and expertise of our doctors, nurses and healthcare workers," Dr. Saha said while congratulating the institution's doctors, officials, medical staff and students on the occasion.
Highlighting the transformation of Tripura's healthcare sector, the Chief Minister said that establishing a government medical college in the state was once considered an ambitious dream. Today, AGMC has emerged as a premier institution for medical education, advanced research and super-speciality treatment in the region.
He said the government is focusing on strengthening medical education by expanding MBBS seats, increasing admissions in the dental college, introducing new postgraduate and specialised courses, and creating greater opportunities for aspiring medical professionals. The recently established Government Dental College is also being expanded, while the proposed Health University is progressing rapidly and is expected to significantly strengthen medical education, research and skilled manpower development in the state.
Dr. Saha also highlighted the launch of the Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee Agartala Civil Hospital at Jackson Gate, where a fully digital patient registration system through an Integrated Hospital Information Management System has been introduced along with evening outpatient services.
Praising the state's medical fraternity, he said Tripura has witnessed a dramatic improvement in advanced healthcare services. "There was a time when even moderately complicated cases had to be referred outside the state. Today, our doctors are successfully performing highly complex surgeries using modern technology. This has substantially reduced the need for external referrals," he said.
The Chief Minister informed that nine successful kidney transplant surgeries have already been conducted in Tripura, while the government is preparing to introduce liver and heart transplant facilities in the coming years, enabling patients to receive world-class treatment within the state.
Emphasising that health remains the government's top priority, Dr. Saha said both the Centre and the state are jointly working under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, expand medical education and ensure quality medical services across Tripura. Trauma care centres, cardiac care facilities and critical care units are being developed in district hospitals, while sub-divisional hospitals are also being upgraded. The government is simultaneously promoting the use of artificial intelligence and telemedicine to modernise healthcare delivery.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the medical profession is not merely a career but a noble commitment to humanity, urging doctors to uphold compassion, honesty and professional excellence. He also announced ongoing development of sports facilities, an indoor sports complex, gymnasium and campus beautification projects at AGMC to support the physical and mental well-being of students and healthcare professionals.
Speaking on public health initiatives, Dr. Saha said health insurance schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Yojana and Mukhyamantri Niramay Arogya Abhiyan are ensuring better healthcare access. He noted that nearly 81.79 per cent of eligible children received complete immunisation during April-May of the 2026-27 financial year, while more than one million children and adolescents aged between one and nineteen years have benefited under the Healthy Childhood and Healthy Adolescence campaign.
He also highlighted welfare measures at GBP Hospital, including a subsidised lunch facility for patients' attendants at just Rs 10, alongside the ongoing construction of a Bharat Canteen and a modern night shelter.
A key highlight of the programme was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AGMC and the Ramakrishna Mission, Viveknagar. Under the agreement, the Mission's 'Niramay' Medical Service Unit will function as an additional Urban Health Training Centre under AGMC and GBP Hospital, strengthening community-based medical education, training and public health services.
Commending the Ramakrishna Mission for its longstanding contribution to healthcare and humanitarian service, Dr. Saha expressed confidence that the partnership would further enrich medical education and healthcare delivery in Tripura.
During the event, meritorious medical students were honoured with certificates and mementoes for their academic achievements. The All Tripura Government Doctors' Association also presented financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to a financially distressed healthcare worker through the Chief Minister and donated Rs 1 lakh to the Assam Chief Minister's Relief Fund for flood relief.
Earlier, AGMC Principal Prof. Dr. Tapan Majumdar presented the institution's annual report and said the 22nd Foundation Day symbolised another milestone in the journey of medical education and healthcare services. As part of the celebrations, blood donation camps, plantation drives and public welfare programmes were organised at GBP Hospital and district hospitals across the state.
The programme was attended by GB Patient Welfare Society Chairman and MLA Minarani Sarkar, Health Secretary Kiran Gitte, National Health Mission Mission Director Saju Wahid A., Health Director Dr. Debasish Debbarma, Medical Education In-charge Prof. Dr. Abhijit Dutta, Family Welfare Director Dr. Anjan Das, Ramakrishna Mission Viveknagar Secretary Swami Shubhakarananda Maharaj and several senior officials and healthcare professionals. FD SB