Agartala, Jan 06: Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services during the lamp lighting and oath-taking ceremony for the second batch of Agartala Government Nursing College students at the IGM Hospital Complex on Monday.

The event was attended by several other distinguished guests, including Director of Medical Education, Dr. H. P. Sharma, Principal of AGMC, Professor Dr. Anup Kumar Saha, Additional Secretary of the Health Department, Rajiv Dutta, Joint Director of the Health Department, Dr. Souvik Debbarma and IGM Hospital Medical Superintendent, Dr. Debashree Debbarma.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Saha emphasized the government’s priority to strengthen the healthcare system and announced a major initiative to establish a health hub in the state. “The state government is working on a priority basis to improve the healthcare system. Nurses play a critical role in this effort by building a strong rapport with patients and their families while providing care,” he said.

Dr. Saha, who also serves as the state’s Health Minister, inaugurated a new IT lab at the Nursing College as part of efforts to modernize medical education and training. Reflecting on the nursing profession, he invoked the legacy of Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of robust nursing management in healthcare institutions. “Nurses, alongside doctors, form the backbone of any healthcare facility. Their dedication not only ensures quality care but also enhances the reputation of their institutions.

Dr. Saha highlighted the progress made in medical education in Tripura, underscoring the government’s efforts to expand opportunities for aspiring healthcare professionals. “This year, 49 students joined the nursing program, compared to 48 last year. Once, securing a B.Sc. Nursing seat was a monumental task. Today, the college offers nearly 50 seats annually,” he stated.

Dr. Saha also noted the significant growth in MBBS seats within the state. “Earlier, Tripura had only 5-7 medical seats. Today, there are approximately 400 MBBS seats available, with Tripura Medical College applying for 50 additional seats. If approved, the total will rise to 450. This increase will greatly benefit the healthcare sector by producing more qualified professionals,” Dr. Saha said.

The newly inaugurated IT lab at the Nursing College is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing students’ educational experiences. Equipped with advanced digital tools, the lab will provide nursing students with modern resources to excel in their training.

Dr. Saha concluded by reiterating the government’s vision for a strong and inclusive healthcare system. “Tripura is committed to ensuring quality healthcare for all. By empowering our healthcare professionals and building better infrastructure, we aim to create a system that serves every citizen effectively,” he said.