CM Saha said addressing social issues like child marriage and drug addiction is crucial to building a healthier Tripura during World Health Day 2025.
In a strong call for action on key public health and social issues, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Monday led a large rally in Agartala to mark World Health Day 2025. The event, organized by the Hepatitis Foundation of Tripura (HFT), brought together thousands of participants from the healthcare sector, educational institutions, civil society, and security forces.
This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginning, Hopeful Future,” aimed to highlight the importance of early health interventions and social reform to ensure a brighter future for all. The Chief Minister, who also serves as the state’s Minister for Health and Family Welfare, used the platform to express serious concern over the rise in injectable drug use, which he said is contributing directly to the increasing number of HIV/AIDS cases in the state.
“Drug abuse, especially the use of injectable narcotics, has become a major threat to our public health system. The growing number of HIV-positive cases among users is alarming and must be addressed with urgency,” Dr. Saha said in his address at the main event held in the heart of the state capital. “These are not only health issues but deep social challenges that we must confront together as a society.”
Dr. Saha also raised the issue of early child marriage, which he said continues to impact the health and development of young girls in Tripura. According to the Chief Minister, child marriage not only violates the rights of children but also leads to severe health complications for young mothers and their newborns.
“Combating child marriage is critical if we want to improve maternal and child health outcomes in the state. A healthy society begins with empowering our girls and protecting them from harmful practices,” he emphasized.
Dr. Saha announced plans to establish a state-of-the-art eye hospital in Tripura. He described the project as a major step towards transforming the state into a regional medical hub.
As part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, Dr. Saha announced plans to establish a state-of-the-art eye hospital in Tripura. He described the project as a major step towards transforming the state into a regional medical hub.
“Our goal is to ensure that Tripura becomes self-sufficient in providing specialized healthcare. With peace prevailing in the state and investor confidence on the rise, we are now seeing more investments in our healthcare sector. People no longer need to travel outside the state for quality medical treatment,” he said.
The rally, which began in the morning, passed through key roads in Agartala, with participants carrying placards and banners advocating for healthy lifestyle choices, mental well-being, and disease prevention. The vibrant event saw enthusiastic participation from doctors, nurses, ASHA workers, medical students, school children, and members of the general public.
Dr. Pradip Bhowmik, a senior physician and the founder of the Hepatitis Foundation of Tripura, also addressed the gathering. He stressed the importance of comprehensive care for pregnant women and the critical role it plays in ensuring safe childbirth and the health of the next generation.
“Proper antenatal and postnatal care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Ensuring that mothers are healthy before, during, and after delivery is the key to birthing healthy children and reducing maternal and infant mortality,” Dr. Bhowmik said. He also urged families and communities to adopt healthier lifestyle habits to prevent chronic diseases and improve overall well-being.
Throughout the day, various events were held across the state, including health awareness drives, free medical check-up camps, blood donation drives, and school-based educational programs. These events were aimed at reaching grassroots communities with critical information about nutrition, hygiene, disease prevention, and access to healthcare.
World Health Day is celebrated globally on April 7 every year to commemorate the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. Since 1950, it has served as an international platform to raise awareness about pressing health concerns affecting communities worldwide.
This year, Tripura’s observance of the day not only addressed critical health issues but also underscored the interconnectedness of health, education, and social justice in building a resilient and equitable society.
