Agartala, June 23: To review and strengthen cancer care services in the state, Health Secretary Kiran Gitte on Monday visited the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Regional Cancer Hospital in Agartala.During the visit, he toured various departments of the hospital and assessed healthcare services, infrastructure, patient amenities, and the progress of ongoing development works. He was accompanied by the Director of Health Services, the Mission Director of the National Health Mission , and other senior officials.The Health Secretary held a review meeting with hospital authorities to evaluate the current status of services and issued necessary directions to further improve patient care. Speaking to reporters, Kiran Gitte announced that a Bone Marrow Ward and an Intensive Care Unit would be made operational at the hospital in the near future.He noted that although day-care cancer services are currently available in three districts of the state, a large number of patients continue to travel to Agartala for treatment, placing additional pressure on the regional cancer hospital. To address this, the government plans to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in district hospitals and provide specialized training to local doctors so that more advanced cancer care can be delivered closer to patients’ homes.
Gitte also said that the inspection focused on ensuring that all medical equipment is functioning properly and that maintenance agencies are fulfilling their contractual responsibilities. He further informed that a night shelter for attendants and family members of patients is planned to be introduced soon. Discussions were also held on restoring an important machine that has remained non-functional due to the lack of technical personnel.
Highlighting the hospital’s growing capabilities, the Health Secretary stated that several complex surgeries are now being successfully performed at the facility. As a result, many patients no longer need to travel outside the state for advanced treatment, marking a significant achievement in Tripura’s healthcare sector.