To strengthen the state’s healthcare infrastructure, the Tripura government is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi to upgrade GB Pant Hospital and Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC). The decision was confirmed following a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Friday.
The MoU, expected to be signed shortly, will mark a significant collaboration between Tripura and one of India’s premier medical institutions. Its aiming to elevate the standard of medical education. Along with research, and patient care in the state.
Chief Minister Leads the Initiative
During the meeting held in the Civil Secretariat, Dr. Manik Saha emphasized the need to provide world-class healthcare services in Tripura and expressed confidence that partnering with AIIMS would help achieve that goal. The meeting was attended by Health Secretary Debasish Basu. AGMC Principal Dr. Hirendra Das, and senior officials of the Health Department.
Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister said, “The MoU with AIIMS will ensure technical support, academic collaboration, and training of medical personnel. It is a landmark decision that will help transform GB Pant Hospital. And convert it into a center of medical excellence.”
What the MoU Will Include
According to sources from the Health Department, the MoU will include:
- Technical collaboration in hospital management and infrastructure modernization
- Capacity-building programs for doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff
- Support in introducing super-specialty services and research facilities
- Academic exchanges and online learning modules for students and faculty at AGMC
The partnership is expected to be long-term. With AIIMS offering remote and on-ground guidance to streamline healthcare delivery in Tripura.
GB Pant and AGMC Set for Transformation
GB Pant Hospital, attached to AGMC, is one of the largest public hospitals in the state and caters to thousands of patients every week. However, in recent years, the facility has faced criticism over outdated equipment, staff shortages, and long wait times.
The collaboration with AIIMS is expected to address these issues. Plans are underway to upgrade operation theatres, diagnostic labs, and intensive care units. The hospital will also see better digital infrastructure for patient record management and telemedicine services.
Dr. Hirendra Das, Principal of AGMC, stated, “This is a golden opportunity for us to reimagine healthcare delivery. With AIIMS’s involvement, we aim to raise both our academic standards and clinical services.”
A Step Towards Universal Health Coverage
The MoU comes at a time when Tripura is focusing on achieving universal health coverage and improving public health outcomes in tribal and remote areas. The government recently rolled out doorstep healthcare services. Moreover, it increased recruitment of medical staff in rural health centers.
Tripura Health Minister Tinku Roy said, “This agreement with AIIMS will help us build a robust referral system, strengthen specialist care, and reduce the burden on patients who otherwise travel to Guwahati or Kolkata for advanced treatment.”
Public Response and Future Prospects
The public has responded positively to the announcement. With many seeing it as a long-overdue step to fix systemic healthcare gaps. Patient welfare groups have welcomed the move but urged the government to ensure that the MoU leads to tangible improvements in service delivery and not just paperwork.
Once the MoU is signed, an implementation roadmap will be drawn up, with timelines for training programs, infrastructure work, and performance evaluations.
Call to Action
The Tripura government has urged healthcare professionals, students, and administrative bodies to actively participate in this transformation. Further, citizens are encouraged to stay updated. And also, avail services as new upgrades roll out in phases.
With this development, Tripura is positioning itself as a model for health sector collaboration in the Northeast, paving the way for future partnerships and better public healthcare access.