Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Saturday inaugurated a state-of-the-art cancer care facility at ILS Hospital in Agartala. The new centre includes advanced radiotherapy services and has been established in collaboration with the Indian Oncology Care Initiative (IOCI).
This facility marks a significant step forward in making quality cancer treatment accessible within the state, reducing the need for patients to travel to other cities.
CM Stresses on Local Cancer Treatment Access
Speaking at the inauguration, CM Saha, who is also a dental surgeon, emphasized the importance of local cancer treatment infrastructure. Also, he said the government is committed to building a strong healthcare network across Tripura.
“Our people had to travel to Kolkata or Guwahati for proper cancer care. This cancer centre will not only save lives but also reduce the financial and emotional burden on families,” said Dr. Saha.
He added that the partnership with IOCI will ensure that global-standard equipment and expertise are brought to Tripura.
Features of the Cancer Care Facility
The new cancer care unit is equipped with modern radiotherapy machines capable of performing Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), 3D Conformal Radiotherapy (3D-CRT), and Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT). These techniques allow precise targeting of tumors while protecting healthy tissues.
According to ILS Hospital officials, the facility also includes diagnostic imaging, day-care chemotherapy, and consultation chambers for oncologists.
“Our goal is to provide complete cancer care under one roof. From early detection to treatment planning and palliative care, this centre will cover it all,” said Dr. Arpita Sengupta, lead oncologist at ILS.
Collaboration with IOCI
The Indian Oncology Care Initiative, a private medical organization focused on cancer care advancement, has partnered with ILS Hospital to develop this unit. IOCI will provide technical expertise, training for staff, and operational support.
Representatives from IOCI said the Agartala unit is part of a broader effort to improve oncology infrastructure in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities across India.
Tripura’s Rising Cancer Burden
Tripura has witnessed a steady rise in cancer cases over the last decade. According to data from the Tripura State Health Department, nearly 4,000 new cancer cases are reported annually, with a majority involving oral, cervical, and breast cancers.
Until now, lack of specialized treatment centres forced many patients to seek help in metros, often delaying critical treatment.
The new radiotherapy unit aims to address this gap and support early, affordable, and effective intervention.
Community Impact and Government Commitment
The CM also announced that cancer patients from below-poverty-line (BPL) families will receive subsidized treatment. Moreover, the state government will include this centre under Ayushman Bharat and other healthcare schemes.
“This is not just a medical advancement; it is a social one. We will ensure no one is denied cancer treatment due to poverty,” said Dr. Saha.
Local residents, healthcare workers, and patient advocacy groups welcomed the move, calling it a “long-awaited necessity” for the state.
More Medical Infrastructure in Pipeline
The government also hinted at future expansions, including a dedicated oncology wing at the upcoming super-specialty hospital in Agartala and mobile screening units for rural areas.
The CM reiterated that healthcare remains a top priority for the administration, and more investments will follow to make Tripura a medical hub in the Northeast.
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