By Firstdespatch Desk Aug 25, 2026
Agartala, Aug 25 (FD) The Tripura government has appointed 42 new General Duty Medical Officers (GDMOs) as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen public healthcare services, address the shortage of doctors and ensure access to modern medical treatment across the state.
Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha handed over appointment letters to newly recruited doctors at a programme held at Pragna Bhavan in Agartala on Tuesday. The event also marked the inauguration of a training programme for dental surgeons and Community Health Officers (CHOs).
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Saha said the state government has been giving special emphasis to recruiting doctors and healthcare workers while simultaneously expanding medical infrastructure. He said strengthening healthcare delivery and making Tripura more self-reliant in the medical sector remain among the government's key priorities.
The Chief Minister said the government was working to fill vacant posts in the Health Department and that recruitment through the Tripura Public Service Commission (TPSC) had already begun. According to him, the initiative would help improve healthcare services, particularly in rural and remote areas.
Dr. Saha stressed that transparency and merit would remain the guiding principles in government recruitment. He said deserving young people should receive opportunities based on their qualifications while the state ensures adequate manpower in hospitals and other healthcare institutions.
Addressing the newly appointed GDMOs, the Chief Minister described medicine as a noble profession involving direct responsibility for human life and health. He urged the doctors to demonstrate empathy and compassion towards patients and treat those seeking medical care as members of their own families.
He also called upon doctors to continuously update their knowledge and remain familiar with modern technologies, artificial intelligence and emerging medical practices. Regular learning, he said, would be essential for medical professionals to provide better and more effective treatment.
Highlighting achievements in the state's healthcare sector, Dr. Saha said nine successful kidney transplants had already been conducted in Tripura. The government is also working towards introducing heart and liver transplant services in the future.
He said 100 per cent of the state's population had been brought under health insurance coverage through the Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Yojana, while implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana was also progressing.
The Chief Minister further highlighted developments in medical education and digital healthcare. Agartala Government Medical College has secured the 131st position among 823 medical colleges in the country, he said. Digital healthcare initiatives, including e-Sanjeevani and ABHA cards, are also being strengthened.
The Integrated Health Management Information System (IHIMS), introduced at the 50-bed Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Civil Hospital at Kasari Patti in Agartala, is expected to further improve digital healthcare management and service delivery.
Outlining future plans, Dr. Saha said the foundation stone for a medical college at Ambassa had been laid and steps had been initiated to establish a separate Health University in Tripura. Plans are also underway for an Ayurvedic Medical College at Tepania in Udaipur and a Homeopathic Medical College in Agartala.
The government is also working to develop Agartala Dental College into a Centre of Excellence. Modernisation work and trauma care centres are being planned at sub-divisional hospitals in Jirania, Mohanpur and Udaipur.
The Chief Minister said the expansion of the state's budget had created greater opportunities for investment and infrastructure development in the health sector. He also pointed to initiatives such as affordable lunch facilities at GB Hospital, Bharat Mata Canteen and shelter homes for patients' attendants as measures aimed at reducing the difficulties faced by common people.
Health Secretary Kiran Gitte said strengthening rural and primary healthcare services remained a priority. He said the appointment of 42 doctors would further reinforce healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.
Gitte also highlighted efforts to expand higher education opportunities for medical professionals. Referring to dental healthcare, he said the National Oral Health Mission was placing special emphasis on school health programmes, with screening camps conducted in several schools to detect dental problems among children at an early stage.
During the programme, the Chief Minister symbolically handed over appointment letters to some of the 42 newly appointed GDMOs. A documentary showcasing the year-long activities of the National Oral Health Programme was also screened, while the Chief Minister and other dignitaries unveiled the souvenir Swasthya Sangbad.
Director of Health Services Dr. Debashree Debbarma delivered the vote of thanks. Director of Family Welfare and Disease Prevention Dr. Anjan Das, Director in-charge of Health Education Dr. Abhijit Datta, Indian Dental Association Tripura State Branch President Dr. Amit Lal Goswami and other dignitaries were also present at the programme.
The appointment of the 42 GDMOs marks another step in Tripura's efforts to expand its healthcare workforce and provide more accessible, modern and people-centric medical services across the state. FD JK