If everything goes as planned state’s premier referral health facility GB Hospital in a historic move is going to perform its first kidney transplant on July 8.
“This is significant milestone that underscores the commitment of the current state government to enhance healthcare services”, said Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha as he made the announcement during the inauguration of a two-day training camp for state-based dental surgeons under the National Oral Health Programme. The event, held at Pragna Bhavan in Agartala, was jointly organized by the Tripura units of the National Health Mission and the Indian Dental Association. It may be mentioned that Dr Saha himself is an eminent maxillofacial surgeon and professor of the subject.
In his address, the Chief Minister highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to transform Tripura’s healthcare landscape. He emphasized the goal of making the state’s only government dental college the best in Northeast India, drawing on his extensive experience in the medical field. Dr. Saha noted the significant technological advancements that now allow online consultations with patients and the acquisition of advanced equipment at the state’s dental college.
He urged the attending dental surgeons to adopt a proactive mindset and diligently fulfill their responsibilities. Dr. Saha expressed gratitude for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s support in the overall development of Tripura. He assured that any issues faced by the dental surgeons would be addressed appropriately, citing the recent formation of a Dental Council in the state as a step towards reducing costs and inconveniences for students, who previously had to register outside Tripura.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the implementation of an e-filing system across all departments to enhance efficiency. He outlined the government’s continuous efforts to improve healthcare services, mentioning the establishment of large hospitals and the opening of nine super-specialty departments at Agartala Government Medical College, which was completed at a cost of approximately Rs. 180 crore. Furthermore, Rs. 202 crore has been allocated for the overall development of the state’s dental college.
Dr. Saha also announced that students would no longer need to go outside the state for a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree, and that plans are underway to introduce a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) course in the future.
Prominent figures in attendance included Rajib Dutta, Tripura Mission Director of the National Health Mission; Dr. Anjan Das, Director of Health and Family Welfare; Dr. H.P. Sharma, Director of Medical Education; Dr. Shalu Roy, Principal of the Agartala Government Dental College; and Dr. Samir Ranjan Dutta Chowdhury, President of the Indian Dental Association.
During the event, the Chief Minister also launched websites for the Tripura State Dental Council, Agartala Government Dental College, and Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) Hospital. Additionally, he inaugurated the tele-consultation facility for dental care through the e-Sanjeevani platform, further enhancing access to healthcare services in the state.
This landmark development in Tripura’s healthcare sector marks a significant step forward in the state’s commitment to providing advanced medical services and improving the overall health infrastructure.