By Firstdespatch Desk Aug 19, 2026
Agartala, Aug 19 (FD) Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha inaugurated the newly constructed Bharatmata Canteen and Shelter House near the Govind Ballabh Pant (GBP) Hospital in Agartala, aimed at providing affordable food and accommodation to people accompanying patients, particularly those arriving from remote areas.
The facility, constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 4.99 crore under the Tripura Urban Livelihood Mission (TULM), is equipped with modern amenities and is designed to address the basic needs of patient attendants. Under the new arrangement, attendants will be able to access meals for just Rs 10 and overnight accommodation for Rs 20.
Speaking at the inauguration programme, Chief Minister Manik Saha said the initiative reflected the state government’s humane approach towards people seeking medical treatment. He emphasised that providing basic amenities alongside healthcare infrastructure was an important part of the government’s development agenda.
Saha also stressed that proper maintenance of the newly constructed facility would be equally important. He urged local representatives and concerned officials to ensure its effective management and upkeep so that patients’ families can continue to benefit from the services.
The Chief Minister said the government was working to strengthen healthcare services across Tripura. He announced that evening outpatient department (OPD) services would be introduced at Agartala, district and subdivisional hospitals in the state. He also said all hospitals would gradually be brought under digital services.
Highlighting developments in specialised healthcare, Saha said kidney transplantation is currently being carried out free of cost at GBP Hospital. He added that the government would take initiatives in the coming days to facilitate other major transplant procedures, including liver and heart transplants.
The Chief Minister further said healthcare infrastructure was expanding in the country under the broader vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that the importance of strengthened healthcare infrastructure became particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For improving medical facilities in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) region, the state government plans to establish a new medical college along with a 100-bed hospital. Saha also highlighted the expansion of medical education in the state, including increased seats in MBBS, BDS and nursing courses. Efforts are also underway to begin academic activities at the new Ayurvedic and Homeopathic College during the 2026-27 financial year.
According to the Chief Minister, Agartala Government Medical College has secured the 131st position in terms of quality of education among 823 medical colleges in the country, describing the achievement as a matter of pride for Tripura.
Saha also highlighted the impact of various state health initiatives. More than 3.60 lakh people have benefited from the Mukhyamantri Niramay Arogya Yojana, while around 90 per cent of children and adolescents have been vaccinated under the Mukhyamantri Sustha Shoishab Sushtha Koishor Abhiyan.
He said the Tripura Urban Livelihood Mission had contributed significantly to the socio-economic development of people, with the Bharatmata Canteen and Shelter House serving as a prominent example of such initiatives.
Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Dipak Majumder attended the programme as the special guest. Health and Family Welfare Department Secretary Kiran Gitte, AMC Commissioner Saju Vaheed A. and TULM Mission Director Tarit Kanti Chakma were also present as guests of honour.
Following the inauguration, Chief Minister Saha inspected the Bharatmata Canteen and Shelter House and instructed officials to remain attentive to its maintenance and proper functioning. FD SB