AGMC-GBP Hospital Achieves Historic Milestone with in Tripura
In an important medical breakthrough for Tripura, the Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and GBP Hospital have successfully conducted a highly complex spinal deformity correction surgery on an 11-year-old boy, marking the first pediatric spinal osteotomy of its kind in the state.
The seven-hour-long surgery, performed on June 2, was hailed as a landmark achievement in critical care and neurosurgery. The young patient, Rupam Bhowmik, a resident of Reshambagan in Chandrapur, had been suffering from a severe angular kyphotic deformity—a forward-bending curvature of the spine—caused by healed spinal tuberculosis, also known as Pott’s Spine.
According to hospital officials, Rupam was first admitted on March 28 and underwent extensive evaluation and preoperative care before the surgery. As of Thursday, the child is recovering well and showing encouraging signs of post-operative improvement.
A Complex Condition, A Delicate Operation
Speaking at a press conference, Dr. Sanjeev Debbarma, Head of the Pediatrics Department, described the child’s condition as critical and debilitating.
“The child had developed a knuckle deformity of the spine, leading to a hunched posture and constant discomfort. He was unable to sleep on his back and could only rest sideways due to the severe spinal angulation,” Dr. Debbarma said.
Without timely intervention, such conditions can lead to lifelong disability, restricted mobility, and neurological deficits, he added.
To correct the deformity, the neurosurgical team performed a Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy (PSO)—a high-risk, technically demanding procedure used to reduce angular deformities in the spine while preserving spinal cord function. The surgery involved careful removal and reshaping of a portion of the vertebrae to restore spinal alignment.
Clinical Excellence Backed by Institutional Support
The successful procedure showcased the hospital’s growing capability in advanced neurosurgery, particularly in pediatric care—a field that has been historically underserved in the region.
The surgical effort was led by Dr. Siddareddy Ankireddypalli, In-Charge HOD and Consultant Neurosurgeon, with neurosurgeons Dr. Suman Dhar and Dr. Debdatta Saha assisting. The operation was supported by the Department of Anaesthesia, OT sisters, and ancillary staff who ensured seamless intraoperative and postoperative care.
Pre- and post-operative care was meticulously handled by the Pediatrics team comprising Prof. Sanjeev Debbarma, Dr. Ripan Debbarma, and Dr. Chayan Sarkar.
Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Shankar Chakraborty emphasized the coordinated effort that made the surgery possible. He stated that the patient was referred under the Mukhyamantri Samipeshu programme—a state-run outreach initiative—and the surgical instruments required for the procedure were sourced from various parts of the country on an urgent basis.
“This operation was performed entirely free of cost. The Rogi Kalyan Samity of the hospital extended full support in ensuring that financial constraints did not come in the way of saving the child’s future,” Dr. Chakraborty said.
A Milestone for Tripura’s Healthcare
Present at the media briefing, AGMC Principal Dr. Anup Kumar Saha lauded the surgical team and support staff for pushing the frontiers of critical care in the state. He said the success of this complex pediatric surgery is not only a medical achievement but also a powerful testament to the growing capabilities of AGMC & GBP Hospital in handling tertiary and quaternary-level cases.
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The event marks a major step forward for government healthcare in Tripura, particularly in neurosurgery and pediatric orthopedic care. Hospital authorities confirmed that the successful outcome has opened the door for similar high-end procedures to be performed within the state—eliminating the need for families to travel to metro cities for advanced treatment.
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With this achievement, AGMC and GBP Hospital have added a historic feather to their cap, offering new hope to countless families and raising the bar for healthcare excellence in Northeast India, said a senior doctor of the GB Hospital.
