Agartala, July 8 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday reiterated that the state government’s primary objective is to strengthen healthcare services within Tripura so that people can access quality and affordable treatment without having to travel outside the state and incur heavy medical expenses.
Addressing the 69th edition of the “Mukhyamantri Samipesu” public outreach programme at his official residence, the Chief Minister said the government has been continuously upgrading the state’s healthcare infrastructure and expanding medical facilities to meet the growing healthcare needs of the people.
“The improvement in Tripura’s healthcare system is now clearly visible. Many diseases for which patients earlier had to travel to other states are now being treated in Agartala itself. If treatment is not available within the state, patients are being referred to reputed government institutions such as AIIMS, New Delhi. The telemedicine services at GB Hospital are also enabling better healthcare delivery and benefiting a large number of patients,” Saha said.
He said the government’s focus is not only on expanding healthcare infrastructure but also on ensuring that every citizen, irrespective of financial background, receives timely and quality medical care within the state.
Despite adverse weather conditions and recent natural calamities, a large number of people from different parts of Tripura attended the public grievance redressal programme, with the majority seeking financial and medical assistance for the treatment of critically ill family members.
Saha, who also holds the Health and Family Welfare portfolio, patiently heard each case individually and directed officials of the concerned departments to take prompt and appropriate action to ensure that the applicants receive the required assistance without delay.
Among those who sought medical assistance were Rupali Namasudra of Ambassa in Dhalai district for the treatment of her child, the family of Bikash Debbarma from Dhanbilash village in Kailashahar, Abdul Hossain from North Tripura district for his wife’s treatment, Prabir Barman from Khowai district for his son’s complex eye disease, and Gayatri Bhattacharya from Unakoti district for treatment related to a serious digestive disorder.
In two particularly critical cases, the Chief Minister directed officials to make immediate arrangements for the patients to receive specialised treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.
Several residents of Agartala also approached the Chief Minister seeking financial and medical assistance for family members suffering from serious ailments, including cancer.
The Chief Minister directed officials to take appropriate steps to provide them with the necessary assistance.
Members of the Fish Traders Association also met Saha and apprised him of various issues affecting their livelihood and business activities.
The Chief Minister assured them that the government would examine their concerns sympathetically and extend all possible assistance.
During the programme, Saha handed over a cheque of Rs 3.90 lakh as financial assistance to the family of a person who lost his life in a recent natural disaster in Agartala, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to providing timely relief and support to affected families during times of crisis.
The Chief Minister also extended financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh to the family of Shubhrajit Chowdhury, who died in a tragic explosion in Agartala’s Ramnagar area a few days ago.
–IANS
sc/pgh
