Agartala, May 13 (IANS). CM Manik Saha on Wednesday said the Tripura government has given top priority to improving and expanding health services across the state, which has resulted in an 80 per cent reduction in the number of patients being sent outside the state for treatment.
The Chief Minister said these things while inaugurating the ‘International Nurses Day’ function organized by the Health Department at Rabindra Centenary Bhawan in Agartala.
Paying tribute to Florence Nightingale, Saha described her as an icon of humanitarian service who took the nursing profession to new heights through compassion and dedication.
The Chief Minister, who also holds the charge of the Health Department, said that the State Government has launched several major health projects to further strengthen the medical services and ensure better treatment facilities within Tripura.
“A medical university will soon be established in the state. Besides this, more super-speciality hospitals will be built. A new medical college will be established in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) area, along with which a new eye hospital will also be built,” he said.
Being a dental surgeon himself, Saha said that these initiatives are aimed at reducing the need for patients to travel outside the state for advanced treatment.
Highlighting the role of nurses in healthcare delivery, the Chief Minister said that nurses are the backbone of the medical system, and their contribution is indispensable.
He said, “Nurses’ uniform is a symbol of pride and responsibility. The more challenges they face, the more experienced and skilled they become, which earns them even more trust from patients.”
Referring to the Covid-19 pandemic, Saha said that during this crisis, doctors and nurses served the society like warriors.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining the health and well-being of healthcare workers.
The Chief Minister further said that nursing education and employment opportunities have expanded significantly in the state.
He informed that 153 nursing personnel have already been appointed, while the recruitment process for 100 more posts will be started soon.
In this program, Health and Family Welfare Secretary Kiran Gitte, Health Director Debashree Debbarma, Family Welfare and Preventive Medicine Director Anjan Das, Medical Education Director H.P. Sharma and other senior officers were present.
–IANS
SCH