In an effort to boost public healthcare services in the state, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, who is a maxillofacial surgeon, urged doctors on Monday to upgrade their skills.
“The responsibility of those associated with healthcare is immense. Even after launching nine super-speciality services at GBP Hospital with an investment of Rs 250 crore, patients often still need to go outside the state for treatment. Doctors need to upgrade their expertise to strengthen super-speciality services. Shija Hospital’s success in conducting kidney transplants here has strengthened our confidence,” he said in a speech at the foundation stone laying ceremony for Shija Superspeciality Hospital at RK Nagar on the outskirts of Agartala.
Saha said the new hospital would play a crucial role in enhancing the healthcare infrastructure of Tripura. Shija Superspeciality Hospital will come up on 28 acres of land leased out by the government to a Manipur-based group. Saha defended the decision against criticism over the land allotment, stating it would contribute to developing cutting-edge healthcare services in the state.
The hospital authorities also have plans to establish a medical college in Tripura, Saha said, adding that the entire project involved an estimated investment of Rs 900 crore.
Saha also shared his experience of attending a recent event on forensic odontology at the National Forensic Sciences University in Ahmedabad, where he served as keynote speaker. “Odontology helped identify victims of an air crash in Ahmedabad. I have proposed to introduce forensic odontology in Tripura’s forensic sciences university too,” he said.
Citing Gujarat’s rise to a “model state” during Narendra Modi’s tenure as chief minister, Saha said Tripura had been implementing infrastructure, agriculture, and connectivity projects for the benefit of both tribal and non-tribal communities.
